Strictly Come Dancing: Oti quits after 7 years, here’s Craig’s surprising response

The South African dancer, Oti Mabuse joined the Strictly team back in 2015. After seven years the dancer has decided to quit the show and move on to new things. Here’s what Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood had to say about her departure.

Oti Mabuse

Oti made Strictly history when she became the first-ever professional dancer to win the show two years running. She first won in 2019 with her partner Kevin Fletcher, then the following year she won with Bill Bailey. Those were the only times Oti won the show.

During the 19th series, Oti had hinted that this may be her last series as a professional dancer. She then confirmed this on February 22 on her Instagram account.

In her post, Oti recounts her time on the show saying it’s ‘Never easy to say goodbye’. She also said that thanks to the show, she now calls the UK ‘home’.

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Craig’s response

The Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood talked about Oti’s departure in This Morning with Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield. During the interview, he said ‘It’s fantastic–I think it’s brilliant news.’

The judge goes on to say that Oti has become a star in ‘her own right’ and that she has made the right decision to leave the show and try new things. He likens her experience to musical theatre, saying:

There’s only so long you can spend in one show. As you know in musical theatre, you don’t want to do the same role for seven years.

Craig finishes the interview by saying how much he’ll miss the occasional dance with Oti but looks forward to watching her on TV.