OTI Mabuse is a much-loved star thanks to shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing On Ice.
However, the famous dancer now faces her biggest challenge yet on I'm a Celebrity 2024.
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Oti Mabuse is a professional dancer who rose to fame BBC OneCome dancing with precision.
She was born in Pretoria, South Africa, on August 8, 1990, but unlike many of the professional dancers on the show, her path to professional dancing did not begin at a young age.
Oti studied civil engineering at university before embarking on a career in dance, following in the footsteps of her sister Motsi – nine years her senior – who is a professional dancer.
Becoming a star is strict
Oti joined Strictly in 2015 for its thirteenth series and was partnered with boxer Anthony Ogogo, but unfortunately was unable to make it past the third week, where she finished in fourteenth place.
Four years later, she won her first Glitterball Cup with Kelvin Fletcher.
Ottey then became the first professional to defend her Strictly title, helping comedian Bill Bailey to a surprise win in 2020.
Strict departure
Ottey shocked fans when she announced she was leaving Strictly.
Announcing the news in 2022, she told her fans: “It's not easy to say goodbye.
“I've been part of the most amazing show on TV, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years and it's been an amazing time.
“I have lifted the glitter ball twice and had the best trip with all the celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebrities and amazing professional dancers!
“You are my family and I adore you all forever.”
Before her departure was announced, it was fully expected that Ottey would try to score a sensational hat-trick and claim the shiny ball for a third time.
But she later revealed that the pressure of dealing with difficult celebrity contestants on the show often left her struggling to eat properly.
“Luckily, my on-again, off-again husband is an amazing person, he has seen the dark days, the days where I'm in the bathroom crying while getting dressed because it's so hard and so overwhelming,” she said.
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“He's seen me not eating, he's seen me overeat, he's seen me struggle with not being able to get the best out of someone.
“He saw me having to deal with 'interesting characters.'
“So, he's the one who saw behind the scenes at the point where I got to where I was like, 'I think I'm done.' He was like, 'Yes.'
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Television fame
Oti had some experience dancing on TV before Strictly Come Dancing.
She participated in the German version of the BBC One show and moved there to develop her career.
Oti was also a judge on BBC talent show The Greatest Dancer and was joined on the panel by Cheryl, Matthew Morrison and Todrick Hall.
She appeared on Channel 4's Celebrity Googlebox alongside her siblings, as well as on Celebrity Masterchef.
Oti was also a panelist on The Masked Dancer, and participated in Celebrity Bake Off 2024.
After deciding to step away from Strictly Come Dancing, she has become a new judge on Dancing on Ice.
In 2024, Oti was announced as a fellow on I'm a Celebrity 2024.
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Meet Marcus
Oti's husband and professional dance partner, Marius Ibor, was born in August 1982 in Romania.
He first discovered his love for dancing when he was twelve years old.
Marius participated in the show Let's dance In 2014 and 2015.
Professional ballroom dancers met in Germany during their dance experience.
They competed together in numerous competitions, winning a gold medal at the German National Show Dance Championships.
They also placed second at the World Latin Championships.
Marius popped the question to Oti on his birthday in 2014 and they married the same year.
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Become a mother
Oti gave birth to her first child, a child, on Christmas Day 2023, but has not revealed her name or face to the public yet.
She announced the birth of her daughter and shared candy An Instagram post of the new addition to their family.
“Merry Christmas wishing you all a wonderful festive season and special memories with your loved ones,” Oti wrote alongside the sweet picture.
