Oti Mabuse ’s fellow Strictly Come Dancing pals have shared their heartbreak as she announced she was quitting the BBC One show after seven years.
The 31-year-old South African professional dancer won the hearts of viewers since making her debut back in 2015, and she confirmed she was leaving in an emotional post on social media.
Oti, who was crowned Strictly winner in 2019 with former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, and again in 2020, with comedian Bill Bailey, took to Instagram to share the news with her fans and followers.
She confessed it was a “difficult decision” but she opted to exit the hugely successful dancing show, leaving behind a legion of devastated fans and pro dancer co-stars.
“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,” she began.
“Lifting the glitterball 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.”
“Will miss ya Oti, Go and be the superstar that you are,” Kai Widdrington commented.
“My friend!! I’m gonna miss you so so much!! you are a star my darling!! I had the pleasure to share the stage with you!!” Graziano Di Prima wrote.
“Love you Mabuse your a star we will miss you so much xxxxxx,” Dianne Buswell added.
“I love you baby girl I know you will shine like a star no matter what you do and where you are,” Nancy Xiu, who made her debut on Strictly last year, wrote.
Meanwhile Ugo Monye, who was partnered with Oti on last year’s show, joked that his dancing skills prompted her to quit.
“Did I push you to this?!! The show & I will miss you Oti,” he wrote.
“Babes babes what can I say, you know I will miss you because who else am I just going to (crying laughing emoji) with just by looking at them because you know what I’m thinking,” Neil Jones said in his sweet tribute to Oti.
“Love you so much! Proud of you! Our queen!!!!” Amy Dowden posted.
“Good luck for the future queen,” Giovanni Pernice commented, as his partner Rose Ayling-Ellis left a series of love heart emojis.
“We’ll miss you @otimabuse,” Gorka Marquez wrote.
Danny Mac, who was partnered with Oti on Strictly back in 2016 - with the couple reaching the final but losing out to Ore Oduba - shared his despair over the pro dancer leaving the iconic show.
“You are, and will always be, THE GREATEST. Not just cos you’re the best, but you’re great, in every single way. The show will miss you & we will all miss you on it,” the former Hollyoaks hunk commented.
“Congratulations on everything you are & everything you brought to us all. Thank you. Now go fly even higher, my dear friend!!!!” he added.
