Panic as Motsi plans to tango off on tour
STRICTLY judge Motsi Mabuse has sparked panic after she reportedly signed up for a German stage tour that clashes with the hit BBC series.
The South African dance star is said to have committed to the trip, causing a scheduling crisis. Motsi, 39, lives in Frankfurt and is set to appear in the tour for Germany’s version of the TV show. She remains in negotiations for the new BBC series in the autumn. But her plan to go on the road has spooked producers.
A source said: “Producers have been pulling their hair out as they struggle to get all of their judges in the right place for the live shows.
“Motsi’s fans in Germany are buying show tickets expecting to see her live. “Pre-Covid it was easy for talent to jet in and out of the UK for the night. But with travel restrictions it’s much harder. “Producers want to avoid relying too much on video links, especially as they’re paying big money for talent. It’s a real schedule clash.” Motsi replaced Dame Darcey Bussell, 51, on the judging panel in 2019.
This year her sister Oti, 30, bids to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy for a record three years in a row. Oti has pledged her allegiance with the BBC for another year. Strictly is set to return with regular show judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood. But Bruno Tonioli is expected to be absent for a second successive series because he is a judge on the US version of Strictly, Dancing With The Stars.
Motsi had previously admitted to being uncertain about her future on the show.
She said: “I don’t know if I’ll do the next Strictly or not. They haven’t asked me yet but if they do I will definitely be back.” Strictly returns in September, with stalwart Anton du Beke confirmed for his 17th successive year on the dancefloor.