Oti Mabuse responds to claims she's leaving Strictly
Oti has joined the judging panel of The Masked Dancer
She's one of the most coveted professionals on Strictly Come Dancing having won the show for the last two years, but after signing a deal to appear as a judge on ITV's brand new show The Masked Dancer, rumours have been rife that Oti Mabuse could be leaving.
Oti, who was crowned the winner with comedian Bill Bailey back in December, appeared on Steph's Packed Lunch, where she discussed her future on the popular dancing show.
Admitting to presenter Steph McGovern that she's unsure of her future on Strictly, Oti said, "Ahh! Do you know what, some of these conversations obviously I have never been a part of – they are above my pay grade.
"I can't say yes as to whether I'm going back or not. So, everybody will have to wait and see to find out what is going on. But it is nice to be spoken about… right?"
Although it's not yet been revealed when The Masked Dancer will air here in the UK, The Masked Singer spin-off has confirmed the judging line-up!
As well as Joel Dommett returning to host the show, Davina McCall, Jonathan Ross and Mo Gilligan will sit on the panel, with Oti replacing Rita Ora.
Speaking last month about joining the bonkers show, Oti 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. As a dancer I will be watching the dancers intently looking for clues - it’s going to be so much fun!!!"
Scroll through to see all the celebs we'd live to see on The Masked Dancer:
Cheryl
Not only was Cheryl a successful singer as part of Girls Aloud AND with her solo career, but her dance skills have always been a huge part of her life. Having learned ballet from a young age, Chez always gave the steps her all when performing live! And let's not forget that she was a judge on The Greatest Dancer... C'mon Chez, don a leopard costume or something and get on the show!
Ed Sheeran
We know he didn't exactly wow the judges with his moves on Britannia High, but he's probably got more to give these days. Plus, let's not forget his incredible dancing in his music video for 'Thinking Out Loud'!
Curtis and AJ Pritchard
The dancing brothers have said they'd love to work together on some sort of dance show - so what could be a better opportunity than this? We've seen contestant pairs over in the US, so it's about time we brought it this side of the pond!
Fleur East
Fleur East would be SUCH a good addition to the show. We all know she's got some powerhouse vocals, but imagine what she could do dance-wise on the show?! Everyone knew she had the full package after her incredible performance of 'Uptown Funk' on The X Factor!
David Walliams
We reckon Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams has picked up enough over his almost 10 years on the show to be able to give us some good moves. Especially after his Little Britain co-star and best pal Matt Lucas sat on the judging panel of The Masked Singer as a guest judge during the last season!
Piers Morgan
Similarly, we think Piers Morgan would give everyone a run for their money! Especially now he's left Good Morning Britain!
Ed Balls
Speaking of Strictly moves... We've GOT to see more of Ed Balls' Gangnam Style - whether he's dressed as himself or in some sort of grizzly bear costume.
Gemma Collins
The Queen of Reality TV has SURELY got to give this one a go! We loved seeing Gemma on Dancing On Ice, and she definitely had more to give before her departure - so why not swap those moves for a non-slippy dancefloor?
Jedward
Jedward may have risen to fame with the hopes of becoming singers, but let's not forget THAT classic dance routine to their version of '...Oops I Did It Again' by Britney!
Danny Dyer
Danny Dyer just oozes the sort of confidence you need to be a good dancer... We'd love to see what moves he could bring to the show! And there's got to be some brilliant clues using Cockney Rhyming Slang.
Jesy Nelson
Jesy Nelson has always been a fantastic dancer - from childhood through to her time on The X Factor and with Little Mix, Jesy's dance talents have never shied away! We'd love to see her on this show.
Johannes Radebe
Strictly star Johannes would be a dream on this show! Not only is he a super talented dancer, but he's got such a wonderful personality too - he could win the whole thing!
Kevin Clifton
Another Strictly face we'd love to see is Kevin Clifton! He's always been a talented dancer and he's looking for new projects after leaving the show following the 2019 series.
Theresa May
The Dancing Queen herself would be a brilliant addition to the show! We've already seen some of Theresa's moves before.
Ashley Banjo
If Jordan wouldn't be up for it, perhaps his older brother Ashley would be! Often considered the face of the dance troupe, Ash has proved his dancing skills a million times over - plus he's sat on the panel of Dancing On Ice and Britain's Got Talent!
Torvill and Dean
More potential Dancing On Ice candidates come in the form of Jayne Torvill OBE and Christopher Dean OBE! Surely dancing on normal floor is easier than pirouetting on ice?!
Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes
After Ruth's stint on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, her husband Eamonn teased her mercilessly... So now it's his time to shine - show us what you've got, Eamonn!
Paul Hollywood
We've just got a feeling Paul is secretly blessed with the talent of rhythm. There's just something about those steely eyes.
Of course, Oti has appeared on other shows before, having acted as a dance mentor on Simon Cowell's BBC show The Greatest Dancer.
Appearing on the panel alongside Cheryl, Todrick Hall and Glee actor Matthew Morrison, the 30-year-old guided Michael and Jowita to victory in series 2.
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