Oti Mabuse has hinted she could yet return to Strictly Come Dancing following her shock defection to rival reality show Dancing On Ice.
Fans of the 31-year-old dance professional were stunned last month when it was revealed that Oti would replace shamed judge John Barrowman to become the fourth judge on Dancing On Ice’s 14th series – which finally began last week.
The announcement came just four days after the dance star had finished working on series 19 of Strictly on the BBC – with many fans fearing her sudden move to the ITV should would ruin any chance of her returning to the ballroom floor.
However, Oti has now hinted she could yet return to the long-running BBC series and says that negotiations for the 2022 season of the show are yet to begin.
She told The Sun on Sunday: “Those conversations happen in February.
“It will have to be something we all talk about as a team.”
Last November, Oti’s defection was hinted at as there was speculation that two dance professionals were considering quitting Strictly.
Oti was tipped to be considering throwing in the towel on the BBC show, while Aljaž Škorjanec had also been tipped to go.
The speculation prompted a show source to say at the time: “Bosses will worry other stars could follow.”
Around the same time, Oti was quoted saying she was inspired by TV star Steph McGovern to give presenting a try.
She said: “I’m starting to present and I’m starting a new life. The person who inspires me the most is Steph McGovern.
“Sometimes when you come into the industry people do feel threatened. They do feel, ‘Oh you’re trying to take my spot.’ She didn’t. She saw something in me.
“Every time I do her show she goes, ‘We’re going to stay back and you’re going to do my bits and we’re going to practice.’ So she mentors me.
“It’s her show, her time. The whole crew does that, they wait.
“That for me is a hero, she’s an inspiration. When somebody comes into Strictly, I want to be that person who goes, ‘Let me show you the ropes.’
As well as judging on Dancing On Ice, TV fans will also soon see Oti presenting a dating show which will see romantic hopefuls attempting to woo another through the medium of dance.
She said of the new show earlier this month: “I’m so excited to be part of Romeo and Duet. It’s always been a dream to host so this is a real ‘pinch me’ moment. It’s about love with a little bit of a twist and showcase of talent, it’s fresh and fun, and I hope everyone’s going to love it as much as I do.”
Dancing On Ice continues on ITV on Sunday night at 6:30pm.
