Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse has spoken about whether she would ever return to the hit BBC show 

while also revealing why she wouldn’t necessarily want her daughter to follow in her footsteps.

The South African-born dancer was a fan-favorite professional on Strictly from 2015 until 2022, 

making history by winning back-to-back seasons in 2019 and 2020 with celebrity partners Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey. 

After seven years on the show, Oti decided to step away, announcing her departure with an emotional message to fans.

Oti’s Fond Memories of Strictly Come Dancing

When she left Strictly in 2022, Oti expressed her gratitude for her time on the show, saying:

“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 Glitterball 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.”

Since then, Oti has expanded her career, becoming a judge on Dancing On Ice and even taking on the challenge of the jungle in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! However, despite moving on to other opportunities, she is frequently asked whether she would ever return to Strictly Come Dancing.

During an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, airing on February 15, Oti once again addressed the possibility of a return to the famous ballroom.

Would Oti Ever Return to Strictly?

When asked by host Jonathan Ross if she missed being a professional dancer on Strictly, Oti admitted that the show played a significant role in her life.

“It was a huge part of my life. I’m always grateful to Strictly, but now I enjoy it as a fan, and I choreograph on the show. I still dance—dance will always be a part of my life—but now I’m watching Strictly with my baby girl and a glass of wine.”

While she clearly still has love for Strictly, Oti seems to have embraced her new role as a viewer and contributor behind the scenes rather than returning to compete as a professional dancer.

Life as a New Mum

Oti also reflected on her journey into motherhood, sharing insights into life with her daughter, who recently turned one. While she has chosen to keep her child’s name private, Oti didn’t hold back when describing her daughter’s big personality.

“She’s one now—one with all the attitude!” she told Jonathan Ross. “She doesn’t like to be told what to do; she tells us what to do. We haven’t really slept in a year. She wakes up in the middle of the night and just starts dancing.”

It’s clear that Oti’s daughter has already inherited a love for movement, but when asked whether she would want her child to follow in her footsteps as a dancer, Oti had a surprising response.

Why Oti Doesn’t Want Her Daughter to Become a Dancer

Although dance has been at the center of Oti’s career, she admitted that she wouldn’t necessarily want her daughter to take the same path.

“I think as a dancer, you don’t always want your child to do the same thing. I’ll support whatever she does, but I’m hoping she’ll be like an astronaut. I want her to try other things. For me, dancing has brought me a lot, but I’d love her to explore other things.”

Oti’s words reflect the realities of the demanding dance industry. While she has achieved incredible success, she hopes her daughter will have the opportunity to explore different interests and carve out her own unique path in life.

What’s Next for Oti?

While Oti may not be returning to Strictly as a professional dancer anytime soon, she remains an influential figure in the world of dance and television. From her role as a judge on Dancing On Ice to her ventures into reality TV, she continues to entertain and inspire audiences.

For now, she’s content watching Strictly from the comfort of her home, glass of wine in hand, embracing this new chapter of her life as both a mother and a mentor in the dance world.

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