Oti Mabuse says she left her parents disappointed when she turned her back on a career as an engineer to become a professional dancer.
The 31-year-old is well known for her glitterball trophy winning turns on Strictly Come Dancing – and more recently as a judge on rival show Dancing On Ice.
But things would have turned out very differently for Oti if she had followed her original career path that saw her achieving a degree in civil engineering.
Instead, Oti turned her back on a future filled with maths and problem solving and opted instead to pursue her dream of being a dancer so she could move and pivot instead – much to her parent’s concern.
Speaking on Desert Island Discs, Oti said: “[My parents] were against it, absolutely against it.
“They were like, this is the worst decision ever. But I really, really wasn't happy because being an engineer full time meant that I couldn't dance.”
But Oti said she had to listen to her heart – and that dance was the only future she could see herself happy in.
She continued: “I didn't feel like that was something that I was ready to give up at that point… it just didn't sit right with my soul, and it didn't sit right with my heart.”
Oti, who hails from South Africa, said she quickly realised she didn’t like her initial career after she graduated.
She said she remembered thinking: “I can't do this, I can't live my life unhappy… this can't be it. This can't be the journey that I have chosen for myself. I want more out of life.”
Engineerings loss became the dance world’s gain, however – and Oti has starred on huge hit shows including Strictly, The Greatest Dancer, and Let’s Dance.
However, Strictly fans were left heartbroken last month when Oti revealed she won’t be returning to the hit BBC show.
She has opted to quit the series, where she performed as one of the professional dancers and won the series in 2019 alongside Kelvin Fletcher and again in 2020 with Bill Bailey.
Announcing her news via Instagram last month, she wrote: "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."
She continued: "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."
She went on: "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."
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