Oti Mabuse is 'unlikely' to return to Strictly Come Dancing – after announcing new role as judge on ITV show

The Strictly dancer made the decision to swap her dancing shoes for a seat at the table on a different dance reality show. 

ITV announced the news this week that Oti would be joining the panel and appearing on ITV’s Dancing on Ice as a judge.

But now a celebrity insider has revealed that it's unlikely she'll return to the popular BBC dancing show. The news will come as a massive blow to fans who loved watching the professional dancer teach celebrities the tango and the charleston. 

It will be a big move for Oti, but she'll be following in the footsteps of her sister, Motsi Mabuse, who is currently a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. When the news broke, just a few days ago, ITV said, "Oti Mabuse is to join the Ice Panel when Dancing On Ice returns to ITV and ITV Hub in January 2022. She’ll be alongside fellow judges Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill, and Christopher Dean."

However, those who thought she could return to Strictly Come Dancing in the future will be disappointed, with Celebrity PR and publicist Harry Rutter telling the Metro, “Moves like this don't often happen, but it's more than likely that a very tempting offer was put on the table by ITV bosses."

The publicist went on to say, "I can’t imagine a return to Strictly after joining a primetime ITV show. There definitely comes a point where stars just fancy a change. It’s a deal that, if done correctly, works both ways for the stars and networks, almost like transferring audiences thanks to loyal fans and viewers."

Speaking about her new role Oti said this week, "As a professional dancer I have always had so much respect for the skating professionals on Dancing On Ice. It is an exceptional skill that is also so beautiful to watch.

"I'm feeling really enthusiastic about joining the panel alongside the legendary Torvill and Dean and Ashley Banjo. I can't wait to see the celebrities thrive as they learn how to ice-skate and to champion the professional skaters as they create incredible choreography," said Oti. 

While she went on to say that her time at Strictly, and as a professional dancer, has given her years of experience, "Having been on both sides of the table, I know a little bit about how they’ll be feeling. It's more than an honor and I already can’t wait to join the family."

However, if the news is true, fans of the dancer, who appeared on Celebrity Masterchef this month, will be devasted to see her go.