Dame Arlene Phillips says Oti Mabuse has her pick of career paths now she has quit as a Strictly pro.
Arlene said she will probably even have her own brand of perfume one day, as her career goes into overdrive.
She added: “It absolutely is the right time now for Oti to leave.
“She won’t just jump and do things because they are there.
“She will choose the career she wants. Oti is now in the right time and at the right place.
"Her career is flourishing and it should do. She is amazing and she has an amazing personality.
“She is funny and works, works, works. I say congratulations, Oti. The world is now her oyster.
“Hard work pays off in the end. You have got to put the years in...you have to take the sh** jobs to build up.”
Oti, 31, announced last week she would not return for the next series of Strictly.
Among her next projects is a Cher musical she has been working on alongside Arlene. It tours the UK in April.
Also a Dancing on Ice judge, Oti last night performed a routine from her UK tour I Am Here on the show.
DOI’s pro ice skaters did a routine choreographed by Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean alongside her.
Arlene, 78, received her damehood from Princess Anne last week.
She said: “It was fantastic. The Queen did my OBE and CBE so I was happy to see the Princess Royal there.”
