Oti Mabuse has hinted she could make a dramatic return to Strictly Come Dancing just weeks after departing the BBC’s hit dance competition
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Romeo and Duet viewers urge Oti Mabuse to return to Strictly
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse has hinted she could make a dramatic u-turn and return to the show in the future.
Oti, 31, departed the BBC show just ten weeks ago after a seven year stint in which she lifted the glitterball trophy on two occasions.
In an interview the South African said: “Strictly has been everything to me and has given me this amazing platform that I have.
“No, I’m not done. It still has a place in my heart.”
The star’s comments come hot on the heels of news that her new show, ITV’s Romeo and Duet attracted just 1.6 million viewers in its prime time slot on Saturday – way short of the 11 million she’s used to on Strictly.
The Strictly door will always be open for Oti Mabuse’s return, according to a source
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Image:
Kieron McCarron/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
One disgruntled fan on Twitter said: ” @OtiMabuse please go back to @bbcstrictly #romeoandduet is complete rubbish! It’s dire!”
Another asked: ” @itv What have done with @OtiMabuse she deserves so much better than #romeoandduet, what were you thinking?”
A third, meanwhile, added: “I can’t help but feel @ITV are missing the mark with the formats of some of the new shows e.g. #romeoandduet #Starstruck.
Announcing her departure on her Instagram account on February 22, Oti said: “Never easy to say goodbye. I have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years and it has been an incredible time.
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“Lifting the glitter ball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers! You are my family and I adore you all forever. Thank you @sarahjamesface @jack.will.g and @jasongilkison for truly believing in me.
“I’m honestly so grateful to The BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK – which I now call home and I have learnt and grown so much. – Thank You from the bottom of my heart. I can’t put in to words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.
Oti Mabuse, pictured on series 14 of Dancing on Ice
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Image:
Matt Frost/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
“Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my strictly journey, thank you for being incredible! You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable! I love you.
“I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience! Lots of Love Oti xxx.”
A Strictly source said: “Oti Mabuse is a Strictly legend.
“The door will always remain open for her in the future — she will always be welcome in some way or form.”
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