Rev Richard Coles has revealed the worst part of working alongside former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse on their upcoming travel series, Oti and Richard's South African Odyssey. The four-part show, airing on More4, follows the pair as they journey across South Africa, exploring Oti's home country.
Coles Calls It a 'Mabusive Relationship'
Speaking to RadioTimes, the 64-year-old former popstar and vicar described the experience as a 'Mabusive relationship', joking that Oti forced him to dance. He said: "Oti forced me to dance. I call it a 'Mabusive relationship' because she physically makes me do these things. The worst was doing Zulu tribal dance up on the Dolphin Coast: I looked like everything bad about 'dad dancing' happening in one person in one place at one time."
Oti Defends Her Dance Demands
However, Oti was quick to disagree with Richard's account. She replied: "I did not make you! But the local girls were like, 'If you don't dance, you'll end up married' because, while the women go there to dance, the men only really go there to get a wife."
Fans Excited for the New Series
The announcement of the show has been met with excitement from fans. On Instagram, one person said: "Look forward to seeing your adventures." Another wrote: "Can't wait for this new series." A third fan commented: "Huge fan of Oti and Richard!" While a fourth added: "Oh my!!!! I cannot wait for this!!!!"
A Decade After Strictly
Rev Richard Coles first appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, paired with Dianne Buswell. The couple were the second to be eliminated, but Coles has since become a regular on British television, appearing in shows such as Sailing the Shipping Forecast, BBC's Winter Walks, and I'm A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2024, where he also shared the jungle with Oti Mabuse.
What to Expect from the Show
According to the broadcaster, viewers can expect 'a musical, messy, very human road trip bursting with dance, laughter, colour and deep friendship'. The series will see the pair travel across South Africa, visiting various locations and experiencing local culture.
Oti and Richard's South African Odyssey airs on More4 at 9:00 PM on Tuesday, 21 July.
