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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Kate Lally

Strictly's Oti Mabuse quits show after seven years

Oti Mabuse has quit Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the show.

The professional dancer, 31, took to Instagram on Tuesday to announce she wouldn't be returning to the BBC One dancing competition.

Oti won Strictly in 2019 and 2020, with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 37, and comedian Bill Bailey, 56.

READ MORE: Gogglebox star flaunts weight loss as she swaps UK for LA

In a heartfelt post, she said it has been an "incredible time".

Oti said: "Never easy to say goodbye. I have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years.

"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. Thank you"

She went on to thanks the BBC and said dance will "always be her first love".

Fellow Strictly pros have rushed to wish her well.

Giovanni Pernice said: "Good luck for the future queen"

Graziano Di Prima said: "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!!"

Gorka Marquez said: "We’ll miss you [crying emoji]"

A message from BBC Strictly's Twitter account also shared the news.

Part of the tweet said: "We couldn't be prouder of Oti and what she has achieved.

"She will always be at the very heart of our Strictly family and we wish her every success in her already bright future."

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