Oti Mabuse is set to be a judge on 'Dancing On Ice'.
Oti Mabuse is set to join Dancing On Ice
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' professional has reportedly agreed a deal to replace axed John Barrowman on the ice panel alongside Diversity's Ashley Banjo and Olympic skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean when the show returns next month.
Despite reports John would be replaced by former 'Strictly' judge Arlene Phillips, it's now been claimed the 78-year-old choreographer could be one in a series of guest judges potentially making an appearance later in the series.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: “Signing up Oti is a brilliant coup for ITV bosses. They’re really excited about her joining the show.
“She has excellent dance experience and technical knowledge, an infectious on-screen energy and has a massive fanbase from her time on 'Strictly', which helps draw viewers.
“It’s also a great move for Oti’s career and the obvious next step for her.”
Despite joining the ITV show, the 'Greatest Dancer' star will still work for the BBC on other projects, including her Radio 4 and BBC Sounds podcast 'Dancing Legends'.
The source added: “She’s not cutting ties with the Beeb altogether and is open to more future projects.
“But she’s looking forward to having a well-earned break over Christmas so she can get stuck into Dancing on Ice next month.”
The 31-year-old dancer admitted earlier this year she was unsure how many more seasons she had left on 'Strictly'.
Speaking in April, she said: “I love to dance. But I think that will be the last one.
"To be part of a show like 'Strictly', which is so diverse in every sense of the word, is incredible. But honestly, as a woman, I can’t be dancing forever.”
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