BBC confirms Motsi Mabuse as new Strictly judge

Motsi Mabuse has been confirmed as the new judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

“I am absolutely overjoyed to be joining the Strictly judging panel. I have so much respect and admiration for the other three judges and hope to add my own bit of sparkle to the show. I can’t wait to get started!” – Motsi Mabuse

Earlier this year, Dame Darcey Bussell announced that she is relinquishing her role as a judge on the Beeb entertainment series that sees celebrities partner up with professional dancers. The BBC have now confirmed that her place on the judging panel will be taken by Motsi Mabuse whose sister, Oti, has been a professional dancer on the show since 2015. 

Originally from South Africa, Motsi is a former South African Champion and German Latin Champion in 2009 and 2010 who has also been a judge on Let’s Dance, the German variant of Strictly Come Dancing. 

“I am incredibly excited that Motsi is joining the show. Her natural warmth, energy and passion for dance makes her the perfect addition to our esteemed judging panel.” – Sarah James, Executive Producer of Strictly

Motsi has been a judge on Let’s Dance in Germany since 2011, after joining the show in 2007 as a professional dancer. She was expected to join the family law firm but her passion for dance took over while she was studying at the University of Pretoria. 

“Motsi is a brilliant addition to the show. She is a wonderful dancer in her own right and already has years of experience as a judge under her belt. We’re all looking forward to welcoming her to the Strictly family.” – Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content

Strictly Come Dancing, a BBC Studios production, will be back on BBC One this autumn with its 17th series.