Oti Mabuse has quit Strictly Come Dancing after seven years as a professional dancer on the primetime BBC show.
Mabuse, a two-time Strictly champion, announced her departure on Instagram, telling fans that it was a tough decision to walk away from the dancefloor.
“I’m honestly so grateful to the BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK, which I now call home,” she said. “I can’t put into words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.”
The South African dancer’s exit comes just weeks after revealing that she was racially abused on social media by a small minority of Strictly viewers.
“To get tweeted or receive a message in my inbox being racially abusive, or fat-shaming me, is horrible. But it’s written by a person who can’t even face themselves in the mirror,” she told Radio Times.
She said: “Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, Strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my Strictly journey, thank you for being incredible.”
The BBC said: “Oti has been a truly wonderful part of Strictly for the past seven years. Her energy, creativity and talent have contributed to so many of the show’s most memorable moments and she will be hugely missed, not only by viewers but the entire team.
“She leaves a dazzling legacy behind her, as the only professional dancer to lift the Glitterball Trophy in two consecutive years.”
