Strictly Come Dancing pro dancer Jowita Pryztal has a TV past with Oti Mabuse, the very person she is replacing on the line-up this year.
Oti said it was with a heavy heart that she'd decided to quit the BBC s how after seven years in the ballroom. Confirming her Strictly departure weeks after she switched channels to join the Dancing on Ice panel, 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."
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After her Strictly exit, Oti's name was missing from the Strictly professional line-up, which was revealed on Thursday's Morning Live, with Aljaz Škorjanec also absent after he quit the show this week. And, while both of them will be missing in action this year, Jowita will get a celebrity partner for the first time.
Jowita was part of Strictly's dazzling group numbers last year and even partnered Adrian Chiles in the 2021 Christmas special, but this year will be mark the first time she's been given a prominent role in the main show.
Jowita is no stranger to a TV talent competition or Oti, who she knew before she was signed up for Strictly. And that's because Jowita won now defunct BBC show The Greatest Dancer, alongside dance partner Michael in 2020, being mentored by dance captain Oti on their way to victory.
Now 27, Jowita, was also in action on the recent Strictly live tour. On Thursday she took to Instagram to post: " I’m so excited to share with you guys that I’m coming back for my 2nd season on @bbcstrictly. genuinely can’t wait."
