Strictly Come Dancing favourite Oti Mabuse has opened up about a painful year-long rift with her older sister, judge Motsi Mabuse, sparked by her decision to pursue a dance career in Germany.
A Sister's Protective Stance
Oti, who became a Strictly professional dancer in 2015, explained that when she confided her ambitions to follow in Motsi's footsteps, her sister was vehemently opposed. Motsi, who had moved from South Africa to Germany in 2007 to join 'Let's Dance', knew the hardships of a dancer's life firsthand. "She didn't want it," Oti revealed during an appearance on the Women's Health 'Just As Well' podcast. "She was like, 'I know this guy, I'll give you his number... but I don't want you here. I don't want you in Germany'."
Despite her reservations, Motsi did facilitate an introduction to several potential dance partners, including Marius Iepure, who would later become Oti's husband. However, Oti admitted she knew Marius was "the one" instantly, a connection her sister initially dismissed as mere romance. "She was also like, 'This boy Marius, he just wants to be your boyfriend, that's all he wants'," Oti recalled.
The Year of Silence and Family Tension
The disagreement escalated into a major family fallout. Motsi did not speak to Oti for approximately a year, and Oti has said her whole family was upset by her career choice. Oti drew a parallel to her own feelings as a mother, understanding Motsi's protective instinct. "The same way as I feel about my daughter, she felt about me, which scares me," she shared. "She was like, 'I don't want this life for you... I don't want you to go through the hell that I have gone through'."
Oti and Marius persevered, forming both a successful dance partnership and a romantic relationship. After twelve difficult months, the family bridge was mended. The Mabuse family eventually apologised and offered their support, acknowledging Oti's independent success. "After a year they were like, 'Okay, we're really sorry and we miss you and we should have supported you, but it's so good that you did it yourself and were able to succeed'," Oti stated.
Where Are The Sisters Now?
Both sisters have since reached the pinnacle of UK entertainment. Motsi Mabuse joined the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel in 2019, replacing Darcey Bussell. Oti made Strictly history by winning the Glitterball Trophy in consecutive years (2019 and 2020) before leaving to become a judge on Dancing on Ice. She is also set to judge the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars.
Their successful careers continue to run in parallel. Motsi remains a key part of Strictly and is also scheduled to appear on the Blankety Blank Christmas Special. The story of their rift and reconciliation highlights the intense pressures and personal sacrifices behind the glittering world of professional dance.
