Oti Mabuse is leaving Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional performer has decided to step away from the hit BBC series after seven years.
Much-loved Oti announced the news on Instagram on Tuesday and explained that she will always treasure the friends she made on 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!
"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."
The sensational dancer 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 show for series 13.
Captures show her on the dance floor with Ugo Monye, Anthony Ogogo, Danny Mac, Jonnie Peacock, Graeme Swann, Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.
Under the announcement, several of Oti's Strictly costars sent her well wishes.
Graziano Di Prima wrote: "My friend!! I’m gonna miss you so so much!! you are a star my darling!! I had the pleasure to share the stage with you!!"
Giovanni Pernice added: "Good luck for the future queen."
Oti's sister, Motsi, who is a judge on Strictly, penned: "It’s time to fly baby girl ! I am so proud of you fearless, courageous and so looking forward to seeing your dreams come true."
Luba Mushtuk joined in: "All the luck in the world to you for next chapter ! Will miss you a lot."
Dianne Buswell contributed: "Love you mabuse your a star we will miss you so much xxxxxx."
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."
In January, Oti addressed rumours she had plans to quit Strictly Come Dancing.
The dancer has signed spoke out after she signed up to be a judge on the new series of the ITV's Dancing on Ice.
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Speaking to The Mirror and other press, she said: "There will be an announcement that will be made later, but for me, as a person in entertainment, I really want to learn and grow and I want a long career, especially in this country.
"I moved all the way from Africa so I have to make something of myself, so I'm really trying to learn and do as much as I can for as long as I can while I can."
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