Former Strictly Come Dancing favorite Oti Mabuse has opened up about her feelings amid rumors of her potential role as a presenter on the renowned show.
The sudden exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from Strictly have left two prestigious spots vacant, sparking speculation about who will step into their shoes. Oti, a former Strictly professional who graced the BBC show for seven seasons before departing in 2021, is among the names swirling around as a potential replacement.
Having clinched the Glitterball trophy in back-to-back years with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey, Oti remains tight-lipped about her interest in the presenting role, even though she expressed her profound love for Strictly. Reflecting on the show’s impact, she praised Tess and Claudia for their exceptional work behind the scenes, emphasizing the demanding nature of live television.
Despite the changes in the show’s lineup, Oti believes that Strictly’s essence lies with its audience and will endure and thrive regardless. Bookmakers have listed Fleur East, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Hannah Waddingham as contenders for the sought-after positions.
While Oti has embarked on new ventures post-Strictly, including joining the judging panel for the Irish Dancing with the Stars, she has ruled out a return to Strictly this year due to her commitments. Juggling motherhood, appearances on shows like The Masked Dancer, Dancing on Ice, and I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Oti’s schedule remains packed with diverse projects.
In a heartwarming reunion, Tess and Claudia were recently seen together at the launch of Tess’s activewear collection, showcasing their enduring friendship post-Strictly. Claudia, now featured on The Traitors, praised Tess’s new collection, celebrating her achievements with joy and admiration.