Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse has playfully suggested her time with older sister Motsi might be over, quipping that she needs a replacement who can cook festive feasts.
A Festive Sister Swap
The light-hearted confession came during a chat on the Loose Women podcast, Just Between Us, with co-star Judi Love. The conversation turned to Christmas generosity when Judi revealed she once bought 'six bags of fish' and made roasted breadfruit for a friend's breakfast.
Visibly stunned by the gesture, Oti responded with humour. "I wish I could switch you [out] for Motsi," she said. "I think I'm done with Motsi as an older sister, I think we're done. I think we've enjoyed this relationship, but I need a sister who can do that for me."
After Judi immediately offered to step into the sibling role, Oti, the former Dancing on Ice judge, clarified her culinary requirements: "You are my sister, but I need one who can come over for Christmas and cook."
Strictly Come Dancing Reflections
On the same podcast, recorded ahead of the Strictly Christmas special, Oti reflected on her departure from the flagship BBC show in 2022. The dancer, now 35, left after an incredible run which saw her win the Glitterball trophy two years consecutively—first with actor Kelvin Fletcher in 2019, then with comedian Bill Bailey in 2020.
Asked if she misses the programme, Oti highlighted the behind-the-scenes team. "Do you know what I miss? Whenever I go back, I always go straight to the behind-the-scenes people," she shared.
She expressed particular fondness for the props team and composers Dave Arch and Ian Masterson. "I miss the props team and just those people who don’t really get camera time but are humans we talk about, who are with us all the time," Oti explained. "They go on tour with us and it’s just that side of the family that is genuine... Creating something from scratch and then making it into a big-time Saturday show with everyone."
Family Plans and Show Changes
Despite her jest about replacing Motsi, Oti outlined their actual festive plans, which seem less focused on gourmet cooking. "She's just going to come over and we're going to do TikToks, that's all we're going to do," she laughed.
While Oti has moved on from Strictly, her sister Motsi Mabuse remains a firm fixture on the judging panel. She is expected to return next series alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke.
However, the show will see a major change in its presenting line-up. Long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced in October 2025 that the recently concluded series was their last after 14 years together. Their successors have not yet been confirmed by the BBC.
