Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has opened up about her relationship with her body.
The dancer, 41, admits to still being body conscious, despite famously losing two stone following the Weight Watchers plan after giving birth in 2018, but she refuses to spend too much time worrying about her weight and appearance.
Motsi says she doesn't want to grow old and remember years spent worrying about her body image, and explains how it is important that she doesn't allow her concerns for how she looks on the outside take over her mental state and consume too many of her thoughts.
The former dancer champion, who recently penned her first memoir, is currently preparing for the launch of the 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing - with the BBC confirming yesterday [September 13] this year's opening episode has been pushed back due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
Discussing her body hang-ups in a new interview, Motsi says: "I don't think I'll ever be at peace with it - who is? At least I don't have to fit into those skimpy little dresses.
"But at the same time, I think it's important for me to make sure it doesn't overtake my mental state so all I'm focussed on is how I look on the outside."
She adds: "I don't want to be on this planet - if God allows me to be here for 80 years - and remember being worried about my body image. It's important to have women on television that other people look at who are a clear image of body positivity."
Motsi also touched upon her sister Oti's departure from the Strictly Come Dancing family, saying she was going to miss her sibling 'very much' following the dancer's decision to leave the hit BBC series earlier this year.
This year's series of the hit ballroom dancing show sees a few changes to the line-up, with pro dancers Oti and Aljaz Skorjanec having left the series. Following their departures, Strictly announced that four new professionals would be joining the show.
European cup winner Vito Coppola , Chinese National Champion Carlos Gu , former Under 21 British National Champion Lauren Oakley and Latin dance champion Michelle Tsiakkas will all be taking to the stage.
Strictly Come Dancing had been due to to return to our screens on Saturday 17 September and had been heavily promoting its revised line-up and new batch of celebrity contestants, but the show has now confirmed the big launch has been delayed.
Following the death of the Queen on September 8, the United Kingdom entered an official period of official National Mourning – with Strictly Come Dancing's original launch date falling within the time period.
In line with government guidance, there is no obligation to cancel or postpone events and sporting fixtures, or close entertainment venues during the National Mourning period, but it is suggested as a mark of respect at the discretion of individual organisations.
The 20th series of Strictly Come Dancing will now begin on Friday September 23.
The first show, which was pre-recorded last Wednesday, will see the celebrities paired with the professional dancers and the live shows will begin on Saturday September 24.
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