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Strictly Come Dancing: Oti Mabuse’s sister Motsi announced as new judge

The new series starts later this year

By Rebecca Carter
| Updated:

Strictly Come Dancing has announced professional dancer Oti Mabuse’s sister Motsi is the new judge.

Earlier this year, Darcey Bussell announced she had decided to quit the show as a judge after seven series.

Many names had been put in the frame to replace her including Anton du Beke, James Jordan and Carlos Acosta.

View this post on Instagram

I am absolutely thrilled and overjoyed to be joining the @bbcstrictly judging panel. 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! @letsdance dance has always and will always have a place in my heart ‘ I grew up with @letsdance and learned so much, so don’t worry I am not going anywhere soon and November I will be certainly our first tour !! Thank you to the team @rtl.tv & SEAPOINT Kai Sturm ,Steffi frebel, Nina Klinik ,Jan Philipp and Nora Kurven .You guys are amazing and I will be forever grateful .Thank you for the support and 11 Wonderful years ! Thank you to @oana_nechiti @erichklann @kathrin_menzinger & @vadim.garbuzov great colleagues who jumped in when I called 📞! Thank you guys and can’t wait for our secret project 2020 💃🏾💃🏾 @motsimabuse_taunustanzschule & @millennium_tanzschule !!!!!!!!!!! I couldn’t do all this without the support of my Husband , My Family and My dance school team !!!! Exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to meet all of @bbcstrictly team . My final words :::: There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask “What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly? Love Motsi #anzeige #newchapter #godhasaplan #lawofattraction #manifestation #loveandlight

A post shared by Motsi Mabuse (@motsimabuse) on

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However, the BBC has revealed Motsi, who is a judge on Strictly’s German version, will take Darcey’s spot on the panel.

Former South African Champion and German Latin Champion Motsi said in a statement: “I am absolutely overjoyed to be joining the Strictly judging panel.

“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!”

Strictly’s Executive Producer Sarah James added: “I am incredibly excited that Motsi Mabuse is joining the show.

“Motsi’s natural warmth, energy and passion for dance makes her the perfect addition to our esteemed judging panel.”

Darcey left the show earlier this year (Credit: BBC)

A source told The Sun: “Bosses were delighted with Motsi in her screen test and are confident she will become a household name like her younger sister.

“She’s got all the experience from doing Let’s Dance in Germany and is great in front of the camera.”

Earlier this year, Darcey said in a statement: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented  team.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone, from my fellow judges and  presenters to the dancers and musicians, and the entire backstage team, and especially the viewers of the show who have been so supportive.

Motsi is Oti’s sister (Credit: BBC)

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“I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all. I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance. After seven wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better, I know I will miss being part off this unique show, and the fact it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about.

“I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.”

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Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

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