Oti Mabuse has been appointed as the new Head Judge on Ireland's Dancing with the Stars, replacing Loraine Barry. The former Strictly Come Dancing professional announced the news on Instagram, expressing excitement about her new role.
In a video shared with fans, Mabuse said: 'Hi guys, I’m Oti Mabuse, and I am the new Head Judge of Dancing With The Stars. I am so excited to be here and I cannot wait to get going. We’re going to dance!' She also shared her expectations for contestants, noting a preference for traditional Latin and ballroom dancing but adding that 'it wouldn’t hurt to have a little bit of fun with it.'
Mabuse, who has previously served as a judge on Dancing On Ice and a panellist on The Masked Dancer, said in a statement: 'I’m so excited to be joining Dancing with the Stars Ireland as head judge. Dance has been such a huge part of my life and to now have the opportunity to celebrate the incredible talent and passion that Ireland has to offer is such a joy.'
She added: 'As someone who has been on both sides of the judging table from performing as a professional dancer on Strictly to sitting on panels on different shows, I know just how much heart, hard work and magic goes into every performance and how much this show means to everyone.'
Mabuse also praised Irish audiences as 'warm, supportive and fun-loving' and expressed eagerness to work with her fellow judges, promising to bring 'a whole lot of sparkle' to the show.
