Oti Mabuse has announced some exciting career news as she is set to take her place on Ireland’s Dancing with the Stars as Head Judge. The former Strictly Come Dancing professional has joined the Irish version of the BBC One Latin and ballroom contest in a huge new role. Oti has been a familiar face on our TV screens, appearing on the hit BBC dancing show from 2015 until 2022.
In her seven years on the show, she managed to lift the glitterball trophy two years in a row. First in 2019 with actor Kelvin Fletcher and a year later with comedian Bill Bailey.
Away from the ballroom, Oti also took part in ITV reality show I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2024. She was also a judge on Dancing On Ice, until the show was taken off air last year.
Oti has recently shared an exciting new career update, as she plans to return to the ballroom this time as a Head Judge over in Ireland. Sharing the news with fans in a video on Instagram, she said: “Hi guys, I’m Oti Mabuse, and I am the new Head Judge of Dancing With The Stars. I am so excited to be here and I cannot wait to get going. We’re going to dance!”
Speaking about what she is expecting from the stars, she said: “I do love seeing dances and really traditional, Latin and ballroom dancing, it wouldn’t hurt to have a little bit of fun with it.”
In a statement, she said: “I’m so excited to be joining Dancing with the Stars Ireland as head judge. Dance has been such a huge part of my life and to now have the opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and passion that Ireland has to offer is such a joy.
“As someone who has been on both sides of the judging table from performing as a professional dancer on Strictly to sitting on panels on different shows, I know just how much heart, hard work and magic goes into every performance and how much this show means to everyone.”
She added: “Irish audiences have always been so warm, supportive and fun-loving, so I already know we’re going to have the most amazing time together. I’m looking forward to having the best time with my fellow judges and can’t wait to bring my love for performance and, of course, a whole lot of sparkle, to this fabulous show.”
Several stars rushed to the comments to congratulate Oti on her new career venture. TV presenter Alison Hammond wrote: “Yass” with heart eyes emojis.
Janette Manrara, who co-hosts Strictly’s It Takes Two spin-off, wrote: “Yaaaassss!! Congratulations!” and Amy Dowden said: “Amazing news! Congrats @otimabuse xxx.” Nancy Xu also said: “Yessss my girllll.”
Oti, who has also been a panellist on The Masked Dancer, is the replacement for Loraine Barry. Dancing with the Stars returns to RTÉ One in January.
It seems that a talent for judging runs in the family, as Oti’s sister Motsi Mabuse has returned to her seat as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing for the sixth year in a row. She sits alongside fellow panelists Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Dubeke, who give their verdict on each routine every Saturday night.