Fans of Strictly Come Dancing have been in mourning this week as Oti Mabuse sensationally quit the show after six years of service.
While viewers of the hit BBC dance show have been devastated by the 31-year-old’s shock announcement, it seems it might be hitting on of her fellow dance professionals harder than anyone else.
Neil Jones – himself a pro on the show since 2014 – has said the show will not be the same again without Oti dancing and skipping on the stage.
The 39-year-old professional also fears that he will never hear from Oti again as she moves on to presumably bigger and better projects, leaving her Strictly family for dust.
Taking to social media to lament his loss, Neil wrote: "Babes babes what can I say, you know I will miss you because who else am I just going to [cry with laughter] with just by looking at them because you know what I’m thinking.”
He went on to shower her with praise – and also branded her a “diva”.
Neil wrote: “Im so proud of everything you are doing just please remember my name the next time we meet and answer your phone you little diva.”
Oti announced her decision to quit Strictly in a lengthy Instagram post that she shared on Tuesday.
Sharing a collection of photos from her time on the show, she wrote: "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 added: "I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience!"
However, Oti’s decision to move on from Strictly had been foreshadowed by the fact she had betrayed the BBC by signing up to be a judge on rival reality series Dancing On Ice which she joined at the beginning of the year.
Many fans considered it a clear sign that she had no plans to return to Strictly for the 2022 series.
Oti herself had hinted she that series 19 of the BBC show – which she competed in alongside sportsman Ugo Monye – would be her last.
She told the Telegraph: “I love to dance and also I love bringing joy to so many people. But I think that will be the last one.”
Meanwhile, her sister Motsi Mabuse, 40 – who herself is a Strictly judge – has thrown her support behind Oti.
She wrote online: “I am so proud of this girl. I was there from your very step and I always wanted to look out for you all the way but watching you grow is a privilege , I sit back and tears of pride roll down!
“Love you sis go get them and Good Luck @otimabuse she is a Lion, fearless, courageous and bold.”
