When she was partnered with Bill Bailey, Oti might have thought her chances of bringing the Glitterball home two years in a row had quickstepped out the window.
In comparison to buff, athletic 35-year-old ex-Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, the comic was 20 years older, definitely rotund and likely destined to follow in the dance missteps of Ann Widdecombe and Ed Balls.
That Bill swept to victory in Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night as a favourite of fans and judges is down to his likeability, talent and wit – but, as he was the first to admit, also down to professional dancer partner Oti Mabuse
For the second year in a row, the South African has moulded a champion against the odds – Kelvin arriving as a late replacement, Bill becoming the oldest winner in a year when producing the BBC show at all was an achievement.
(Image: BBC)
But Oti’s whole life story on the way to becoming Strictly’s best loved and most successful star can be seen as one of never letting obstacles stand in her way – whether it be bullies, racists, superstition or ageing celebrity dancers.
Speaking about her win last night on the Strictly podcast, she said: “The only thing I feel is that now it’s possible.
“It’s possible to be a young girl from a third world country and come here, work hard and do it.
“It’s possible for professional dancers who are on this show, to think, ‘I won it once, I can do it again.’ It’s possible.
“I can’t believe it’s happened… but it’s possible.”
(Image: Collect)
Her mum Dudu, a teacher, and lawyer dad Peter pushed their children early to achieve their best – a work ethic Oti inspires in her Strictly partners.
But her life began in tragedy – her brother Neo, 18, killed himself shortly after she was born.
Superstitious neighbours in South African capital Pretoria, where the family lived, shunned them in the belief his death would bring bad luck on them.
Oti’s sister, Strictly judge Motsi, 39, said: “He killed himself with a poison.
(Image: instagram.com/otimabuse)
“Because the people of Africa are very religious and superstitious, something bad arose in our neighbourhood. Our family was seen as one where there was a negative energy. Because of this, no one came to us any more.”
The family are still uncertain why Neo killed himself, but it is thought he struggled to adjust when the family began to lift themselves out of poverty.
Born when Oti’s mother was a teenager, he had a different father to Oti, Motsi and third sister Phemelo.
The girls’ dad Peter proved his drive and determination by rising through his profession to become a High Court judge.
(Image: Oti Mabuse)
Although the family moved to a more affluent area, they were still a black family living under apartheid.
Oti was four when Nelson Mandela became the country’s first black leader and the racist system in South Africa began to unravel.
But Motsi recalls how the sisters took a community minibus to their convent school as they were banned from whites-only public transport.
They also struggled to find a dance teacher for a pastime mostly enjoyed by white youngsters.
Motsi explained: “It was a very difficult time in South Africa, so to be a little girl and push yourself in this type of dancing, where there are no other black girls, was really tough.” Off the dance floor too, Oti struggled – bullied for her looks and for wearing glasses.
She said: “Kids used to call me ‘four eyes’ – but I always say four are better than two. To anyone who is experiencing bullying I would say, own it.
“You are beautiful because of who you are, not what you look like.”
After studying civil engineering at university, dance became her life. She won the South African Latin American Championship eight times before moving to Germany – and starred in their Strictly equivalent.
(Image: BBC)
She met husband Marius Iepure, a Romanian professional dancer, during a dance trial. Since joining the BBC’s Strictly in 2015, she has wowed her fellow professionals, the contestants and the viewers alike.
Former celebrity partner Danny Mac reached the final with Oti, in 2016. He said: “I adore her, she’s got that personality and the passion. All the other dancers really respect her.”
And Kelvin Fletcher, who won with Oti last year, told her: “You’re a beautiful person, I admire your talent, your creative ability, your dancing ability. I’m just in awe of you.”
As well as her Strictly successes, in March BBC viewers also saw Oti lead Latin dancers Michael and Jowita to victory on The Greatest Dancer.
(Image: BBC)
Her dedication means early starts and long days – she gets up at 3am and usually works as late as 10pm.
She said: “I’m an extremely early bird. I’ll sit in bed replying to emails, then either choreograph or look at the current routine for things to improve.”
She arrives at the dance studio at 10am and stays until 10pm.
Bill also told how not a minute in the studio is wasted.
He said: “She’s quite strict planning the day. You’re in a very intense work relationship.”
Earlier this year she released her first book, Dance With Oti, which highlights the importance of movement and expressing your feelings.
It reflects her philosophy on life – keep dancing and anything is possible.