Strictly Come Dancing judge has declared she can see the show running for 'another 20 years' as it approaches two decades on screen.
It was back in the summer of 2004 that the reimagining of long running BBC show Come Dancing made its debut from plenty of curiosity from people at home. It's since been reported that a number of channel executives weren't convinced that Strictly would be a hit, but they had no reason to worry as it quickly became a big favourite amongst viewers.
The first series of Strictly was won by newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, alongside pro partner Brendan Cole. In Strictly's first year and, with the BBC realising its popularity, it aired two series, with Jill Halfpenny winning the second right before Christmas 2044.
Glitterball champions since the have included the likes of Darren Gough, Louis Smith, Abby Clancy and the late Caroline Flack. Other winners, from all corners of the entertainment industry, range from cricketer Mark Ramprakash to singer Alesha Dixon, who controversially later replaced Arlene Phillips on the panel.
Motsi became a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019, joining pro dancer sister Oti in the cast, the same year she triumphed alongside Kelvin Fletcher. Motsi is back on the panel this year as the celebs in the new Strictly line-up aim to follow in the successful footsteps of reigning champion, EastEnders actress Rose Ayling-Ellis.
She geared up for the new series with an interview on This Morning during which, as well as trying to get presenter Holly Willoughby to do Strictly, predicted the programme will be around for a long while yet.
After Holly remarked: "Twenty years of it! That's extraordinary," Motsi replied: "It's just amazing. I've spoke to some of the crew and they're like 'yeah I've been here from the beginning.'
"I'm like 'what does it feel like to be part of such a huge show that's changed lives and still has that energy? I personally think Strictly will stem the next 20 years. Because it's a show that brings us all together and we can kinda run away from what's happening."
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