Movies

Oti Mabuse Reveals Body Struggles After Strictly Exit—Could She Return to the Dancefloor?

BBG News

Dance professional Oti Mabuse has spoken candidly about grappling with a harmful relationship with her body image, a struggle that emerged throughout her career as a dancer.

Previous contestant on Strictly, aged 34, who parted ways with the program in 2022 following seven seasons, openly shared that it’s an ongoing process for them to establish a wholesome bond with their physical self again.

Oti acknowledged that a portion of her journey involves realizing she no longer possesses a dancer’s physique, following various challenges and the arrival of her little girl, whom she warmly welcomes.

In an engaging conversation with Prima magazine, I, a fervent admirer, delved into my personal journey of battling body image issues, my transition into the joyful realm of motherhood, and hinted at the tantalizing prospect of gracing the dance floor once more on Strictly Come Dancing.

As a child, Oti often pondered about her body image, expressing that she believed the most skilled dancers were always thin. This thought made her feel as if success in dancing required looking a certain way, which, in her opinion, is not unique to Latin and ballroom dance but prevalent across various fields.

‘Dancers tend to feel that way consistently. This often leads to a harmful body image, and when someone enters the room who appears to have lost weight, there’s usually a reaction of, “Wow, she looks fantastic!”‘

And sometimes you might wonder, “Am I appealing because I’m petite, or am I simply attractive overall?” The impact of language on many women is profound. It’s about reestablishing this connection, and it’s an ongoing process.

From now on, it seems, I’ll consistently need to focus on improving that relationship. By discussing it, perhaps it can spark further dialogue about the importance of cultivating a healthy body-mind connection for the long term.

Regardless of past challenges, Oti expressed that she has achieved tranquility with her physical self. She told the media outlet, ‘I present myself to the world as a human being who once danced, not just a dancer. Although I continue to dance, I am a person before I am a dancer.’

My physical state has had its highs and lows; the fluctuations in weight, the pregnancies, all contributing to quite a ride. It seems typical for women to go through such experiences. At times, I find myself thinking, “Wow, I’m not satisfied with my appearance…

Afterward, I need to remind myself in the mirror, “No, you are wonderful. You are flawless. You’ve given birth, a miracle that only a few can claim. It’s alright if you’re not picture-perfect, as long as you’re active and striving for good health.

During her stint on Strictly, Oti achieved immense success and ended up as a double champion, having won back-to-back titles with dance partners Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.

Looking back at my time on Strictly, I find it utterly remarkable. Even though I’ve moved on from competing, I continue to contribute through choreography and discussions with the producers.

I believe the program played a significant role in my life, leading to where I am now and maintaining our ongoing connection. It had its challenging moments, but it was equally rewarding. Considering the pioneering nature of being the first Black individual in many places, there were definitely highs and lows.

As a seasoned lifestyle enthusiast, I’m often posed with the question about potentially revisiting my favorite show. To be honest, I always leave the door slightly ajar for unexpected opportunities. In essence, I wouldn’t rule out a return, but it’s all about finding the right moment – much like the saying, “Never say never.

She mentioned that people often inquire about her going back to Strictly. Currently, with a daughter and all her current responsibilities, she finds herself quite occupied, yet content with her current situation. However, she emphasized that it’s never a definitive no for the future. The opportunity remains open, which is very pleasant indeed.

Aljaž Skorjanec recently returned, and he’s thriving! I’ve gone back to collaborate with him, and it seems like he’s in an entirely new realm. Truly, he’s extraordinary. So, one can never predict what he might achieve next.

In November 2023, Oti will have welcomed a child with her spouse Marius Iepure, another accomplished dancer, and the baby’s name remains undisclosed at this point.

In a different part of the conversation, Oti shared her experience of moving to London for the first time, where she found herself comfortably embracing an interracial relationship right away.

She mentioned that while she resided in Germany (specifically to enhance her dancing skills as seen on the German adaptation of Strictly), herself and Marius frequently visited London. It was widely recognized that the top-tier dance school was located in Croydon, and all the proficient dance couples would make their way there.

In a nostalgic tone, I recall our initial strolls through town, where it seemed countless interracial couples were present. Overwhelmed with joy, I’d exclaim to Marius, “Look at that! Look at that! Here we are again!” And I couldn’t help but express my excitement in a similar fashion.

“It seems I’ve been missing out on something significant! Why haven’t I been part of this? I’m struck by all these multicultural couples around, and it made me realize the importance of diversity in my life.”

As for our walks during lessons, they were always a delight. It felt as though I had found my place here, like everything just fell perfectly into place.

 

In addition, Oti discussed her personal experiences as a parent, referring to it as the “toughest voyage I’ve embarked upon so far.

She mentioned: ‘Becoming a mother is truly awe-inspiring. It’s simply astonishing. However, to speak candidly, it is also an incredibly difficult and tiring voyage of self-exploration that you will encounter in your lifetime.’

As an overjoyed parent of a 1-year-old dynamo, I find myself in a state of perpetual wonder as she communicates through expressions rather than words. In the midst of her daily adventures, I’m often left guessing what she’s experiencing, but her expressiveness, humor, and unwavering determination never cease to amaze me.

She reminds me of a younger version of myself, which is somewhat unsettling since my mother struggled with managing me, and I relocated to another continent. This similarity makes me apprehensive because it brings back memories of being misunderstood and uprooted.

Now I’m thinking, ‘I’ll go wherever she goes, even if it’s deep into the Amazon jungle. If she decides to live there, then so shall we.’ She’s quite a resolute little one and it can be tiring trying to match her pace, but I adore it.

The June 2025 issue of Prima is now on sale 

Read More

2025-04-30 02:06

Previous post Love Island Stars Spill All: Behind-the-Scenes Secrets for 10th Anniversary
Next post Olivia Colman Shocks with Yoghurt and Strawberries on Her Crumpet!