TV bosses are in a six-figure bidding war to sign up Oti Mobuse after she quit Strictly Come Dancing.
She is said to have been inundated with offers, led by ITV and Channel 4.
“Oti is taking her time deciding on the right jobs,” said a source close to the star. A TV industry insider told us: “The BBC know they’ve lost a huge asset but can’t compete with commercial channels that will let her take on other deals.”
Pro dancer Oti, 31, announced her departure from the BBC’s prime time Saturday night show after seven years this week.
She said: “It has been an incredible time. Lifting the Glitterball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities. I will always remember Strictly, and the BBC brought me to the UK. I can’t put into words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.”
The eight-time South African Latin American Champion is the only Strictly pro to win two consecutive series – in 2019 with actor Kelvin Fletcher and 2020 with comic Bill Bailey.
TV sources believe she could be as popular as Holly Willoughby, who is estimated to earn £730,000 a year hosting This Morning for ITV.
In the past year ITV have involved Oti in The Masked Dancer, Dancing on Ice and Romeo & Duet.
She’s also been mentored by Channel 4’s Packed Lunch star Steph McGovern while presenting for them in autumn.
TV and celebrity expert Mark Borkowski reckons Oti could make more than £1million over the next year or two in TV gigs and deals.
He added: “We’ve seen people come and go but every channel wants a piece of Oti’s magic.”
Tickets for Oti's 'I Am Here Tour' are available now from - www.otimabuse.com
