Yahoo News Strictly pros react to Oti Mabuse's sister Motsi joining judging panel
Earlier today, Strictly Come Dancing announced that Motsi Mabuse will replace Darcey Bussell on the judging panel when the new series airs later this year. Now, the BBC show's professionals have reacted to the news.
"New Strictly judge," Motsi's sister Oti – who has been a dancer on the show since 2015 –wrote on her Instagram Story. "Welcome to Strictly."
She celebrated her older sister's new gig on her Twitter page too, as she shared the official announcement alongside the caption: "Yayyyy!!!! Da da da dadada daaaaa- da dada da da."
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Elsewhere, Katya Jones tweeted that the hiring was "so exciting" and that "Motsi is a brilliant dancer" who is sure to make a fantastic addition to the team. Existing judge Bruno Tonioli replied to Katya's tweet, saying that he "can't wait to start working with her" and describing Motsi as a "perfect choice".
Karen Clifton and Gorka Marquez shared similar sentiments, each writing: "Welcome."
"Big congratulations," tweeted Amy Dowden.
Neil Jones, Katya's husband, wrote: "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."
South African Motsi – who previously acted as a judge on German TV series Let's Dance – took to Twitter herself earlier today to say that she was "absolutely thrilled and overjoyed" to be taking over from former ballet dancer Bussell and judging the competition alongside Tonioli, Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood.
"I have so much respect and admiration for the other three judges and hope to add my own bit of sparkle to the show," she added. "I can’t wait to get started… I couldn’t do all this without the support of my husband, my family and my dance school team! Exciting times ahead and I can’t wait to meet all of @bbcstrictly team."
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