Bosses at BBC are reportedly fearful that Strictly Come Dancing’s Oti Mabuse will call time on her gig with the show after landing a job as a judge on ITV’s The Masked Dancer.
The 30-year-old professional dancer was announced as the replacement for Rita Ora on The Masked Singer ‘s spin-off show and is reportedly yet to have signed a new deal with Strictly.
The uncertainty is said to have left the dance show’s producers feeling “uneasy”.
A source told The Sun: “Oti has been inundated with offers. Her profile has really blown up since she joined Strictly and she has had ideas pitched from a number of major channels.
(Image: PA)
“The BBC are now growing increasingly worried that her time on Strictly is numbered. She really is passionate about her dance school, and is batting off TV offers left right and centre.
“Throw the commitment of The Masked Dancer into the mix and suddenly her year might look quite different, as Strictly is a big undertaking. Producers fear she’s outgrown the show.”
The source did however say that there is still the chance that Oti will sign a new deal with the show and producers are keen for her to commit as soon as possible.
The Mirror has contacted a rep for Strictly Come Dancing asking for comment.
(Image: PA)
Oti has been crowned champion of the show twice and has previously been a judge on the now-defunct The Greatest Dancer.
She expressed her excitement at joining The Masked Dancer when she was revealed as a newcomer to the show.
At the time she said: “I’m so thrilled and honoured to be joining the panel on The Masked Dancer. I’m a huge fan of The Masked Singer and I loved the US Masked Dancer so I just can’t wait to start on this show.”
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Oti continued: “As a dancer I will be watching the dancers intently looking for clues – it’s going to be so much fun!!!”
The show will follow the same concept as The Masked Singer with 12 celebrity contestants battling it out for the title by performing unique dances under an extravagant disguise.
The Masked Dancer is due to air in the Spring.
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Originally from https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/bbc-bosses-fear-oti-mabuse-23732935