BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse confirms return to show after quitting

The 34-year-old professional dancer joined the show to discuss her new tour, Viva Carnival, but the conversation quickly turned to her time on Strictly.

Oti, who danced professionally on the programme from 2015 to 2022, was probed by hosts Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary after being seen at the studios recently.

Confirming her continued connection with the show, Oti revealed: "I choreograph, I feel like I never left," before adding about the differences in returning as a choreographer: "It's different because when you're a pro, you have about a week to prepare. You're also working with someone who has never danced before.

"You have to be very mindful and create something that works for them. When you go back as a choreographer, you're working with a team of incredible professional dancers who also want to push and make the show really brilliant. They're really dedicated at that and they're amazing, so you have to give them a lot, you have to challenge them!"

Oti announced her departure from Strictly as a professional dancer in 2022, sharing on Instagram at the time: "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", reports the Mirror.

"Lifting the glitterball 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."

Oti's sister, Motsi Mabuse, continues to work as a judge on Strictly alongside Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas, and Craig Revel Horwood. Meanwhile, Oti now works as a judge on ITV's hit series Dancing On Ice, offering her insights beside fellow