SA dancer Motsi Mabuse joins Strictly Come Dancing UK judging panel

South African-born dancer Motsi Mabuse is thrilled after revealing her as the new judge on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Motsi who is the older sister of Strictly professional Oti, will replace Dame Darcey Bussell, who announced in April that she was stepping down after seven years on the panel.

Charlotte Moore, director of BBC Content, said Motsi Mabuse would be “a brilliant addition to the show” when it returns for its 17th series later this year.

“She is a wonderful dancer in her own right and already has years of experience as a judge under her belt,” she continued. “We’re all looking forward to welcoming her to the Strictly family.”

Taking to social media, the 38-year-old Mabuse wrote: “I am absolutely thrilled and overjoyed to be joining the @bbcstrictly judging 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!

“I am honestly overwhelmed by all the positive reactions! I am extremely thankful and do believe I have been blessed! My family and I are going away to just have time for us, we have a very special birthday coming soon and taking a timeout to recharge for a wonderful season filled with exciting adventures.”

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I am absolutely thrilled and overjoyed to be joining the @bbcstrictly judging 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! @letsdance dance has always and will always have a place in my heart ‘ I grew up with @letsdance and learned so much, so don’t worry I am not going anywhere soon and November I will be certainly our first tour !! Thank you to the team @rtl.tv & SEAPOINT Kai Sturm ,Steffi frebel, Nina Klinik ,Jan Philipp and Nora Kurven .You guys are amazing and I will be forever grateful .Thank you for the support and 11 Wonderful years ! Thank you to @oana_nechiti @erichklann @kathrin_menzinger & @vadim.garbuzov great colleagues who jumped in when I called ?! Thank you guys and can’t wait for our secret project 2020 ???? @motsimabuse_taunustanzschule & @millennium_tanzschule !!!!!!!!!!! I couldn’t do all this without the support of my Husband , My Family and My dance school team !!!! Exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to meet all of @bbcstrictly team . My final words :::: There is freedom waiting for you, On the breezes of the sky, And you ask “What if I fall?” Oh but my darling, What if you fly? Love Motsi #anzeige #newchapter #godhasaplan #lawofattraction #manifestation #loveandlight

A post shared by Motsi Mabuse (@motsimabuse) on Jul 22, 2019 at 8:03am PDT