Strictly Come Dancing 2019 has revealed its new judge – who is replacing Darcey Bussell?
Earlier this year, ballet dancer Darcey made the surprise announcement that she was leaving Strictly Come Dancing after seven years.
Since then there have been many rumours about who could be Strictly’s new judge and now the BBC has made an announcement.
They confirmed this week (Monday, July 22) that Motsi Mabuse, the South African-born former German Latin Champion and South African Champion, as the new judge on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing.
Motsi Mabuse is the sister of current Strictly professional dancer Oti Mabuse.
She’s appeared on the German version of Strictly Come Dancing, first as a professional dancer and since 2011 as a judge.
Motsi was expected to become a lawyer and join the family law firm but her passion for dance took over whilst she was studying at the University of Pretoria.
Motsi Mabuse said today: “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!”
Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content commented: “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.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Executive Producer Sarah James added: “I am incredibly excited that Motsi Mabuse is joining the show. Motsi’s natural warmth, energy and passion for dance makes her the perfect addition to our esteemed judging panel.”
Meanwhile, Strictly’s current stars – including Oti – took to Twitter to congratulate Motsi.
“Yayyyy!!!! Da da da dadada daaaaa- da dada da da,” Oti tweeted.
Pro dancer Neil Jones posted: “Congratulations to @MOTSI_MABUSE who has just been announced as the new judge on @bbcstrictly. She is one the greatest female dancers of her time and I can’t wait to welcome her to our Strictly family #strictlyjudge”
katya Jones shared: “This is so exciting!!! Brilliant choice!!! Motsi is Fabulous dancer and im sure will be a fantastic judge!”
And Bruno Tonioli added: “Delighted that @MOTSI_MABUSE has been announced as judge – she’s a perfect choice! @bbcstrictly”
Motsi will join Bruno, Craig Revel Horwood and head judge Shirley Ballas on the new Strictly Come Dancing panel.
Strictly Come Dancing is a BBC Studios production and returns for its 17th series this autumn on BBC One.
The series is hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
This year’s spin-off show It Takes Two will be hosted by Zoe Ball with Rylan Clark-Neal.
