Advertisement

Len Goodman says new 'Strictly' judge Motsi Mabuse will find it 'difficult' to critique her sister

Len Goodman has said Motsi Mabuse will find it "difficult" to critique her sister on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (Credit: Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/Eric McCandless/Getty)
Len Goodman has said Motsi Mabuse will find it "difficult" to critique her sister on 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (Credit: Keith Mayhew/SOPA Images/Eric McCandless/Getty)

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman has said new panel member Motsi Mabuse may struggle to give fair criticism to her sister — professional dancer Oti.

Veteran performer Motsi has been added to the show’s roster of judges this year as a replacement for Dame Darcey Bussell.

Goodman served as head of the Strictly panel from its launch in 2004 through to his departure in 2016 after the 14th series.

Read more: Motsi says racism has “become worse” in recent years

The 75-year-old appeared on This Morning to discuss the latest series of the BBC’s Saturday night staple, which launched over the weekend, and particularly the addition of Motsi.

“She seemed alright, she’ll probably know her onions,” said Goodman. “She’s got good qualifications.”

Len Goodman appeared on 'This Morning' to discuss the new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (Credit: ITV)
Len Goodman appeared on 'This Morning' to discuss the new series of 'Strictly Come Dancing'. (Credit: ITV)

The veteran ballroom performer then weighed in on whether Motsi would be able to judge her sister, Oti, fairly.

She is due to dance with Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, who has replaced injured reality star Jamie Laing in the celebrity line-up.

Read more: BBC open to same-sex Strictly couples

Goodman said: “I can imagine it’s awkward if you’ve got to judge a relative. You’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.

“It’s difficult to give a true critique maybe? But I’m sure she’ll be able to do it.”

Motsi previously told The Sun that Oti will be judged fairly and will “get what everybody else is getting” on the show.

Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas attend the "Strictly Come Dancing" launch show on August 26, 2019. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)
Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Bruno Tonioli and Shirley Ballas attend the "Strictly Come Dancing" launch show on August 26, 2019. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

Goodman also revealed in the interview that Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, is a “keen fan” of Strictly after the pair danced at a recent event marking the 90th anniversary of the British Dance Council.

He said: “It was a nice easy going dance. It wasn’t a quickstep or anything.

“We had a lovely dance. She is a good dancer and she’s a mad keen fan of Strictly and it was just a lovely thing to do.”

Read more: Alex Scott tells trolls she’s “still standing” ahead of Strictly debut

Strictly Come Dancing will kick off in earnest on 21 September, with the stars set to take to the floor for their first official dances.

Former England footballer Alex Scott, partnered with Neil Jones, has been anointed as the early bookies’ favourite to win the competition.

This Morning airs on weekdays at 10.30am on ITV.