Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has revealed the childhood trauma she experienced growing up in apartheid South Africa. Speaking to OK! magazine, the 43-year-old dancer explained how her mother encouraged her and sister Oti to take up dancing to protect them from the harsh realities of racism. 'My mum thought we'd be away from the streets if we were dancing,' Motsi said. 'She made us go dancing to protect us from teen pregnancy, drugs, alcohol. She tried to protect us from the racism in South Africa. As kids, we knew people hated us because of our skin colour. When you grow up in South Africa you're told you're not pretty, especially if you have dark skin.'
Motsi, who has been a judge on the BBC show for five years, also reflected on her journey to Strictly. She recalled joking with her sister Oti about replacing Darcey Bussell, only for the call to come three weeks later. 'I learned that Darcey was stopping, so I called Oti and was like, 'What's happening over there?'' she shared. 'She said she didn't know, so I joked that they should call me, and we laughed. Three weeks later, I called her back and said, 'They called me!' and we laughed again! Being called for Strictly was like the hard work paid off.'
As Strictly celebrates its 20th anniversary, Motsi promised an even more spectacular season ahead. 'Twenty years of mesmerising dancing, outstanding outfits and beautiful footwork – it's an honour and a privilege to be a part of such an iconic show, especially in its 20th year,' she said. 'We've got lots of surprises up our sleeves to make sure this year is even bigger, better and more fabulous than before.'
Motsi also opened up about her transformation on screen, admitting she sometimes doesn't recognise herself. 'Sometimes I watch the show back and think, 'Who is that woman?' because I'm so different from that!' she laughed. To summon her 'showgirl' alter ego, she relies on music: 'I listen to artists like Beyonce, Tina Turner – strong women. Motsi on a Saturday night? I can't be that all the time! So, I put her in the cellar and bring her back out on the weekend!'
