Oti Mabuse ‘ruled out’ as Darcey Bussell’s replacement on Strictly Come Dancing

Oti Maubse has reportedly been ruled out of replacing Darcey Bussell on Strictly Come Dancing.

Earlier this year, ballet dancer Darcey made the surprise announcement that she was leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.

Although a number of names have been rumoured as possible replacements, as yet there has been no announcement from the BBC.

According to The Sun newspaper, one person who has been ruled out of the running is Strictly pro dancer Oti.

The tabloid claims that Oti screen-tested for the rule but producers decided putting her on the panel wouldn’t work.

A source alleged: “The thought was that the other dances wouldn’t react well to Oti being a judge. She is popular, but if the dynamic changed and she went from being one of them into another role on the show it’s likely that this would cause friction and upset.

“But bosses are keen on handing the role to a woman to keep the panel fair.”

Oti, who is currently a judge on Strictly’s other dance show The Greatest Dancer, previously suggested she didn’t want to replace Darcey.

“I think I would absolutely miss [dancing] and that part of it,” she told BBC Radio 2. “I love dancing I love coming to the rehearsals I love being a part of the group it’s a really special group to be a part of…

“There are no dancers like Strictly Dancers, how close we are.… I think I would absolutely miss that and that part of it.”

Meanwhile, current Strictly Bruno Tonioli has backed Adam Garcia to join the Strictly Come Dancing panel.

Bruno said: “I’d like Adam to get the job. He’s a leading man, a theatrical leading man.”

Alongside Bruno, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas currently make up the Strictly Come Dancing panel.

The new series of Strictly is expected to launch in September.