South African-born choreographer and dancer Oti Mabuse has announced her departure from televised dance competitions, marking the end of an era following her celebrated nine-year tenure on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. The two-time Glitterball Trophy winner, renowned for her electrifying routines and mentorship, revealed her decision to pivot toward fresh creative projects, closing a chapter that solidified her as one of the show's most beloved professionals.
Mabuse, 34, first joined Strictly in 2015, quickly ascending to fan-favorite status with her technical precision and charismatic teaching style. She made history as the first pro dancer to claim back-to-back victories, guiding actor Kelvin Fletcher to victory in 2019 and comedian Bill Bailey in 2020. Her innovative choreography, particularly in genres like salsa and contemporary dance, earned widespread acclaim, while her partnerships were praised for blending emotional depth with show-stopping spectacle.
In a heartfelt statement, Mabuse reflected on her journey, emphasizing a desire to expand her horizons beyond the ballroom. "Strictly gifted me unforgettable memories and growth, but now I'm eager to channel my energy into storytelling through new mediums," she said, hinting at upcoming ventures in television production and international dance advocacy. Speculation suggests she may focus on her preschool series Oti's Boogie Beebies or develop global dance initiatives aimed at underrepresented communities.
Her exit follows earlier moves by fellow Strictly veterans such as Aljaž Škorjanec and Janette Manrara, though Mabuse's influence remains indelible. Executive producers lauded her "boundless creativity and passion," crediting her with modernizing the show's appeal. Fans flooded social media with tributes, recalling standout moments like her 2020 Paso Doble with Bailey, set to The Phantom of the Opera, which scored a rare perfect 40.
While Mabuse will no longer grace the Strictly floor, she confirmed ongoing collaborations with the BBC, including documentaries on dance culture. As she transitions behind the camera, her legacy endures—not only for her trophies but for inspiring a generation to embrace dance as a force for joy and connection.
Strictly Come Dancing returns this autumn, with Mabuse's shoes set to be filled by a new cohort of pros. Yet, as one fan tweeted, "Oti's sparkle is irreplaceable—she turned dance into magic."