Real reason Strictly pro quit show amid reports of 'struggle' behind the scenes
Oti Mabuse announced back in 2022 that she was leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years on the show. The professional dancer was a hugely popular star on the BBC celebrity dance competition, but reports emerged that her departure came after the BBC struggled to book celebrities to match her ever-growing profile. Oti, 34, has also been a judge on ITV's Dancing on Ice and The Masked Singer.
While the Beeb's bosses were sad to see the two-time champion leave Strictly, sources suggested the booking of guests would become an easier task for BBC producers in the future as Oti became "too big" before her departure.
A TV insider said at the time: “While BBC bosses are obviously sad to see Oti leave Strictly, it does solve the growing problem of finding celebrities who could match her appeal. Although it was great to have someone like her adding so much glamour and fun, it was also creating a tricky new challenge for producers."
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The source told The Sun: “Her ever-growing profile saw rivals knocking at her door and she has been tempted away from the Beeb by the prospect of becoming an even bigger star.”
Oti, who won the title with Kelvin Fletcher in 2019 and then Bill Bailey the following year, penned in a statement on her exit: “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."
The rising star continued: "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 and I have learnt and grown so much - Thank You from the bottom of my heart."
She then added: "I can’t put in to words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series."
Oti's sister, Motsi, continues to sit on the Strictly Come Dancing panel of judges.
