After much speculation over her future on the show in recent months, Oti Mabuse has confirmed she has quit Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.
Pro dancer Oti won two successive series of the BBC show in 2019 and 2020, firstly with Kelvin Fletcher and then Bill Bailey.
She has recently made the switch to ITV to become a judge on Dancing on Ice and it was her move to the show that sparked rumours she'd leave Strictly.
And on Tuesday morning, Oti took to Instagram to reveal she'd made the tough call to walk away from the ballroom programme.
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She wrote: "Never easy to say goodbye. I have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years and it has been an incredible time.
"Lifting the glitter ball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers! You are my family and I adore you all forever."
She added: "I’m honestly so grateful to The BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK - which I now call home and I have learnt and grown so much. - Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
"I can’t put in to words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.
"Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my strictly journey, thank you for being incredible! You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable! I love you.
"I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience!"
Fans were quick to react to Oti's news, with one tweeting: "genuinely upset that oti mabuse won’t be in the next series of strictly come dancing" and a second commenting: "Not totally unexpected, but Oti will be greatly missed from #Strictly"
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