Strictly Come Dancing performer Oti Mabuse quits hit BBC series
(Picture: BBC/Guy Levy)Strictly dancer Otis Mabuse has announced she is quitting the hit BBC series after seven years.
The performer joined the show in 2015 and eventually became the only professional dancer to ever win two consecutive years.
Her announcement follows her appointment as a judge on ITV rival Dancing On Ice at the end of last year which had raised questions regarding her future on the BBC series.
She had avoided the topic at the time but she has now confirmed her “difficult decision” to quit as she admitted, “It is never easy to say goodbye.”
The former Strictly star wrote on Instagram: “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!”
The professional dancer shared several photos with the famous dance partners she has had since joining the show in 2015 including: Ugo Monye, Anthony Ogogo, Danny Mac, Jonnie Peacock, Graeme Swann, Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.
She thanked executive producer Sarah James, producer Jack Gledhill and director of choreography Jason Gilkison for believing in her.
Ms Mabuse also shared her gratitude for 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.”
The BBC said in a statement: “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.”
As well as her judging role on Dancing On Ice, the TV star has been announced as the host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet.
She is expected to return as a judge on the second series of The Masked Dancer later this year.
