Oti Mabbs has announced that she will no longer be a professional partner in the BBC's Dancing Wonders.
Oti Mabbs is strictly here to dance.
The professional actor decided to retire from the popular show's BBC series seven years later.
The much-loved Oti announced the news on the photo wall and explained that she would always cherish the friends she made on the show.
"Saying goodbye has never been easy, I've been involved in the best TV shows, and strictly speaking dancing for the last seven years, it's been an incredible time. Lift the flash ball twice and spend the best journey with all my celebrities, and meet and work with the best teams, crew, producers, celebrities and incredible professional dancers!
"You are my family and I will always love you. Thanks to @sarahjamesface @jack.will.g and @jasongilkison for believing in me. ”
Oti Mabus was leaving, just coming to dance
She shared her gratitude for the series, adding: "I am really grateful to the BBC and I will always remember it was the BBC that brought me to the UK – I now call it home, I learned a lot and grew a lot. - Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
"I can't put into words how difficult this decision was, but I've decided not to play in the next series.
The dancer has been working on the show for seven years
"Dance will always be my favorite, thank you to everyone, especially my family, friends, fans and judges, who have supported me throughout my journey, thank you for the wonderful!" You are irreplaceable in my heart and make me unforgettable every day! I love you. ”
She wrote at the end of the post: "I'll be dancing all the time! I will never forget my amazing experience!
The sensational dancer illustrates this with several photos of her on the show, next to all the celebrities she's partnered with since she joined season 13 on the show.
Photos show her dancing on the dance floor with Hugo Moni, Anthony Ogogo, Danny Mack, Jonny Peacock, Graeme Swan, Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.
In the statement, several of Oti's loyal collaborators extended their best wishes to her.
Graziano Di Prima wrote: "My friend!! I would miss you very, very much!! Honey, you are a star!! I'm so excited to share this stage with you!!"
Giovanni Pernis added, "Good luck to the future queen."
Oti and Bill Bailey won the 2020 series
Oti's sister, Motsi, who is strictly a judge, wrote: "It's time for baby girls to fly!" I am proud of your fearlessness, bravery and fearlessness, and look forward to seeing your dreams come true. ”
Baru Mushtuk joined in: "Good luck with the next chapter!" Will miss you very much. ”
Ugo Monye is Oti's partner in the 2021 series
Following Oti's Instagram post, Sarah James, executive producer of StrictLy Come Dancing, said: "Ottie has been a truly wonderful part of StrictLy Come Dancing for the past seven years.
"Her energy, creativity and talent have resulted in many of the most memorable moments on the show, and the audience and the entire team will miss her terribly."
Antonio Ogogo danced with the stars when he joined in 2013
Danny Mike is Oti's partner in 2016
"She left a dazzling legacy as the only professional dancer to lift the Flash Ball trophy for two consecutive years.
"We are incredibly proud of Oti and her accomplishments on the show. She will always be at the heart of our family, and we wish her success in an already bright future. ”
Oti performed with Jonnie Peacock in 2017
In January, Oti clarified rumors that she planned to resign, strictly speaking dance.
The dancer gave his opinion on the independent TV station S Ice Dance after signing up to become a judge for the new season.
Oti won the Flash Ball Trophy with Kelvin Fletcher in 2019
In interviews with The Mirror and other media outlets, she said: "There will be a statement later, but for me, as someone in the entertainment industry, I really want to learn and grow, and I want a long career, especially in this country."
"I'm from Africa, so I have to make some achievements, so I'm really trying to learn and do as many things as I can, as long as I can."