Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse has admitted she 'gets emotional' when discussing the possibility of presenting the show, following the shock departure of long-time hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The 35-year-old, who won the Glitterball Trophy twice consecutively, addressed speculation that she could be lined up to replace the duo.
Speaking to The Times, Mabuse praised Daly and Winkleman, saying: 'I wouldn't be sitting here without that show. Claudia and Tess are....I get emotional when I talk about it, because they are just so brilliant.' She highlighted Daly's behind-the-scenes work on the live programme, adding that 'anyone who gets asked to do that job is so lucky and will do it splendidly'.
Despite the rumours, Mabuse ruled herself out of contention due to her commitment to the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars, where she will join the judging panel this year. 'I can't (do it!) I'm here. I love Dancing with the Stars,' she explained. The dancer left Strictly in 2021 to pursue other opportunities, including appearances on The Masked Dancer, Dancing on Ice, and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.
Mabuse, who is now a mother to a two-year-old daughter, expressed confidence that the show will continue to thrive. 'Strictly belongs to the people,' she said, and praised producers for their knowledge of the programme. Meanwhile, bookmakers have tipped Fleur East, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Hannah Waddingham as potential successors to Daly and Winkleman.
