Oti Mabuse shocked Strictly Come Dancing fans when she announced she was leaving the dancing show after 7 years.
The professional dancer, 31, shared that she has decided to walk away from the series with a message shared on Instagram on Tuesday.
South African performer Oti explained that she will always cherish her time on the show but that she was leaving the series to pursue other projects.
And now, a telly source has claimed that fan favourite Oti was "tempted away from the Beeb by the prospect of becoming an even bigger star."
They also added that Oti - who won the Glitterball twice - was becoming a bigger name than the famous faces the BBC were able to attract to take part in the competition.
A TV insider said: “While BBC bosses are obviously sad to see Oti leave Strictly, it does solve the growing problem of finding celebrities who could match her appeal.
"Although it was great to have someone like her adding so much glamour and fun, it was also creating a tricky new challenge for producers," the source told The Sun.
“Her ever-growing profile saw rivals knocking at her door and she has been tempted away from the Beeb by the prospect of becoming an even bigger star.”
Oti said she will never forget her memories from her time on Strictly when she told that she was quitting the show.
"Never easy to say goodbye I have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years and it has been an incredible time. Lifting the glitter ball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers!" she penned.
The bombshell added: "You are my family and I adore you all forever. Thank you @sarahjamesface @jack.will.g and @jasongilkison for truly believing in me."
Sharing that she is thankful to the series, she added: "I’m honestly so grateful to The BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK - which I now call home and I have learnt and grown so much. - Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
"I can’t put in to words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.
"Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my strictly journey, thank you for being incredible! You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable! I love you."
She ended the post: "I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience! Lots of Love Oti xxx."
Captivating Oti illustrated the post with several snaps of her time on the show alongside all the famous faces she was partnered up with since joining the series.
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Snaps showed her with Ugo Monye, Anthony Ogogo, Danny Mac, Jonnie Peacock, Graeme Swann, Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.
After Oti's Instagram post, Sarah James, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing says: "Oti has been a truly wonderful part of Strictly for the past seven years.
"Her energy, creativity and talent have contributed to so many of the show’s most memorable moments and she will be hugely missed, not only by viewers but the entire team.
"She leaves a dazzling legacy behind her, as the only professional dancer to lift the Glitterball Trophy in two consecutive years.
"We couldn’t be prouder of Oti and what she has achieved on the show. She will always be at the very heart of our Strictly family and we wish her every success in her already bright future."
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