Oti Mabuse's sister Motsi revealed to be the new Strictly Come Dancing judge

Strictly Come Dancing logo
(Image credit: BBC)

Motsi Mabuse is revealed as the new Strictly Come Dancing judge...

The brand new Strictly Come Dancing judge has been revealed, and it is none other than Motsi Mabuse - the elder sister of Strictly professional dancer, Oti.

Strictly Come Dancing fans have been wondering who would be replacing Dame Darcey Bussell ever since she announced her departure from the show's judging panel earlier in the year.

Unsurprisingly, South African born Motsi is no stranger to the dance floor, having been crowned German Latin Champion and a South African Champion in the past.

Motsi Mabuse new Strictly Come Dancing judge

Motsi will be jointing the Strictly judging panel when the show returns in the autumn (Picture: BBC)

She is also no stranger to a judging panel, having appeared on Let's Dance, the German version of Strictly Come Dancing as a judge since 2011.

MORE: Strictly Come Dancing winner - where are they now?

Motsi said of the news: "I am absolutely overjoyed to be joining the Strictly panel. I have so much respect and admiration for the other three judges and hope to add my own bit of sparkle to the show. I can't wait to get started!"

Motsi Mabuse new Strictly Come Dancing judge

Motsi is no stranger to Strictly, with her sister already appearing on the show as a professional dancer (Picture: BBC)

Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content said of the new signing: "Motsi is a brilliant addition to the show. She is a wonderful dancer in her own right and already has years of experience as a judge under her belt. We're all looking forward to welcoming her to the Strictly family."

Sarah James, Executive Producer of Strictly says: "I am incredibly excited that Motsi is joining the show. Motsi's warmth, energy and passion for dance makes her the perfect addition to our esteemed judging panel."

Dame Darcey Bussell with the Strictly Come Dancing team

Motsi will be replacing Dame Darcey Bussell as Strictly Come Dancing judge (Picture: BBC)

Motsi will be joining current judges Craig Revel Horwood, Bruno Toniolo and Shirley Ballas on the judging panel later this year.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One for its 17th series this autumn. 

Claire Crick
Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch

Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia. 


After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off


She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz! 


As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.