Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Oti Mabuse has opened up about her emotions amidst speculation that she may be chosen to host the popular show. The departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman has left two coveted positions to be filled on the British television show.
Numerous names, including former Strictly pro Oti, have been linked to potentially taking on the roles left vacant by Tess and Claudia. Oti, who won the Glitterball trophy in consecutive years with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey, expressed her love for Strictly but remained coy about her interest in hosting.
In an interview with The Times, Oti praised Tess and Claudia for their outstanding work on the live show, highlighting the behind-the-scenes efforts that often go unnoticed. She acknowledged the importance of the producers’ decision in selecting the right hosts for the show.
Despite the unexpected exits of Tess and Claudia, Oti believes that Strictly is a show that belongs to its audience and will continue to thrive. Bookmakers have listed Fleur East, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Hannah Waddingham as potential contenders for the hosting roles.
Having left Strictly in 2021 to pursue other opportunities, Oti is set to join the judging panel for the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars. She explained that this commitment rules her out of returning to Strictly, emphasizing her passion for the Dancing with the Stars show.
Since her departure from Strictly, Oti has taken on various projects, including becoming a mother, appearing on The Masked Dancer, Dancing on Ice, and participating in I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman recently reunited for the launch of Tess’s activewear collection, showcasing a strong bond beyond their time on Strictly.