Oti Mabuse received condolences from her former Strictly Come Dancing co-stars after she shared the heartbreaking news that her niece had died.
Oti, who made the switch from Strictly to Dancing on Ice earlier this year and then announced she's quit the BBC ballroom show, won't be on television this week as ITV pulled Dancing on Ice from the schedule to make way for FA Cup football.
And as the programme goes on a week-long hiatus, Oti took to Instagram to reveal her tragic personal news, telling her 644,000 followers that 28-year-old niece Tlhogi had passed away.
READ MORE : The Malones thank Gogglebox fans for support after tragic news
Next to a photo of the pair together, Oti wrote: " How is this the last time I would hold you in my arms. I am so shattered inside I can’t even begin to describe the pain. This is not how this was supposed to go. We had plans together, travel the world and dance on a beach in Jamaica for my birthday. I used to fetch you everyday from crèche, swimming, chess since we were 8."
Former Strictly champion Oti continued: " You were only 28 yet the kindest, sweetest human being in my life! I’ve lost my niece, my little sister, my best friend. Life dealt you the harshest card but you always chose to win, you always fought to come out the other side above it all with a smile on your face.
"I love you much with all my heart and now you’re gone and I feel lost in more ways than one to a pain I’ve never felt before. I’m still calling you and texting you trying to understand - how? Why?"
Among the many people to offer condolences in the comments thread underneath were several Strictly stars including reigning champion pro Giovanni Pernice. He reacted with a series of crying emojis, with head judge Shirley Ballas doing the same, along with a love heart.
Ex Strictly finalist Alexandra Burke posted: " Sending you love my darling I’m so sorry for your loss."
