Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse has refused to be drawn on her future on the hit BBC show after joining rival channel ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
Since the news was announced that in-demand Oti would be taking her seat alongside Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjo, Strictly fans have been wondering what that means for her role as a pro dancer.
But 31 year old double Strictly champ Oti refused to be drawn on the speculation when speaking to OK! and other press outlets.
Instead, she remained tight-lipped, explaining: “There will be an announcement that will be made later, but I think for me, as a person in entertainment, I really want to learn and grow.”
Oti, who also appeared on ITV’s hit show The Masked Dancer, continued to reflect on her goals for the future, adding that she wants to build a successful and “long career”.
The star, who was born in South Africa, explained: “I want a long career, especially in this country.”
“I moved all the way from Africa, so I have to make something of myself, so I'm really trying to learn and do as much as I can for as long as I can, while I can.”
Whether Oti is part of this year’s Strictly pro line-up or not, she still has plenty to keep herself busy in the coming months.
And the down-to-earth star is thrilled to be joining the ice panel and making her debut on the launch show this Sunday (16 January).
Speaking about her excitement at joining the long-running ITV series, Oti, who has replaced John Barrowman, said: “I've done a couple of panel shows where I've been like a dance captain, dance detective, or something, but I've never been called a judge.”
“I love competition and watching people learn new skills and try to get better every single week.”
“It's a journey I absolutely enjoy to be a part of and watch. To know that I am doing it now with ice skating is very, very exciting for me. I literally can't wait, I am buzzing!”
This comes after Oti fulfilled another huge career goal when it was announced she had landed her very own ITV show.
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The musical dating series, called Romeo & Duet, will see singletons being serenaded on a “breathtaking balcony” by somebody they can hear but not see.
Talking about her exciting new job, Oti said: “I'm so excited to be part of Romeo & Duet. It’s always been a dream of mine to host so this is a real pinch me moment, and it's a blessing for me to finally be able to share this news.”
To read more about Oti and the rest of the Dancing on Ice judges, sign up to OK!'s daily celebrity newsletter. Dancing on Ice starts this Sunday 16 January on ITV
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