OTI Mabuse has confirmed she is leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.
The 31-year-old has been part of the BBC dancing show since 2015 and is the only professional to win the competition in two consecutive years.
However, the star confirmed today via her Instagram that she would not be returning.
Oti wrote: "Never easy to say goodbyeI have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years and it has been an incredible time.
"Lifting the glitter ball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers! You are my family and I adore you all forever. Thank you @[email protected] and @jasongilkison for truly believing in me."
She continued: "I’m honestly so grateful to The BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK – which I now call home and I have learnt and grown so much. – Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
"I can’t put in to words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.
"Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my strictly journey, thank you for being incredible! You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable! I love you."
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Oti concluded her emotional post by saying: "I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience! Lots of Love Oti xxx @bbcstrictly@bbc."
Oti first won with former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher in 2019 before retaining the Glitterball trophy in 2020 with comedian Bill Bailey.
Her other Strictly partners have been Anthony Ogogo, Danny Mac, Jonnie Peacock, Graeme Swann and most recently, Ugo Monye.
Oti has become one of the most popular pros on the show, however, she has been branching out away from Strictly in recent years.
She was a judge on The Greatest Dancer for two series in 2019 and 2020 and has presented Morning Live.
"Dazzling legacy"
This year she joined the judging panel of Dancing on Ice, which lead to speculation that it was the final step for her departure from Strictly.
Sarah James, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing says: “Oti has been a truly wonderful part of Strictly for the past seven years.
"Her energy, creativity and talent have contributed to so many of the show’s most memorable moments and she will be hugely missed, not only by viewers, but the entire team.
"She leaves a dazzling legacy behind her, as the only professional dancer to lift the Glitterball Trophy in two consecutive years.
"We couldn’t be prouder of Oti and what she has achieved on the show. She will always be at the very heart of our Strictly family and we wish her every success in her already bright future.”
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