Strictly’s sister act
Oti’s big sister to replace Darcey
THE big sister of Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse will take over from Darcey Bussell on the BBC show’s judging panel.
Motsi Mabuse, 38, has been a judge on the German version of the programme for eight years.
She said she is “overjoyed” to land the role in Britain, adding: “I have so much respect and admiration for the other three judges and hope to add my own bit of sparkle to the show. I can’t wait to get started.”
Oti, 28, was a pro dancer on the show in Germany while Motsi was on the panel. An insider said: “Motsi is totally impartial. She’ll be scrupulously fair, as she always was with Oti on the German version.”
Motsi will keep her role on the German programme, which airs at a different time of year to the BBC show.
She recently appeared alongside Oti and their middle sister, Phemelo, on Celebrity Gogglebox on Channel 4.
Before becoming a champion dancer, Motsi was expected to join the family law firm.
Her dad is a High
Court judge in their home city of Pretoria in
South Africa.
Show sources say she was always the “frontrunner” to join Craig Revel Horwood, 54, Bruno Tonioli, 63, and head judge Shirley Ballas on the panel.
Shirley, 58, said: “What exciting news. We are going to have a ball.”
Executive producer Sarah James said she is “incredibly excited” by the signing ahead of the 17th series starting in September.
She added: “Motsi’s natural warmth, energy and passion for dance make her the perfect addition.”
Strictly pro dancer Katya Jones, 30, said: “Motsi is a fabulous dancer and I’m sure will be a fantastic judge.”
Motsi is married to Ukrainian dancer Evgenij Voznyuk, and they had a daughter last year.
Dame Darcey, 50, quit Strictly after seven years on the panel.
Celebs rumoured to be in line for the next series include former England manager Sam Allardyce, 64, and ex-Corrie star Catherine Tyldesley, 35.