Who is I’m a Celeb contestant and former Strictly star Oti Mabuse?

OTI Mabuse is a much-loved star thanks to shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing On Ice.

However, the popular dancer is now taking on her biggest challenge yet on I’m A Celebrity 2024.

Oti Mabuse is a professional dancer who rose to fame on BBC One‘s Strictly Come Dancing.

She was born in Pretoria, South Africa, on August 8, 1990, but unlike many of the show’s pro dancers, she did not start her path to professional dancing from a young age.

Oti studied civil engineering at university before embarking on a dancing career, following in the footsteps of her sister Motsi — nine years her senior — who is a professional ballroom dancer.

Becoming a Strictly star

Oti joined Strictly in 2015 for its thirteenth series and was partnered with boxer Anthony Ogogo, but unfortunately did not make it past week three, finishing in 14th place

Four years later, she won her first Glitterball Trophy with Kelvin Fletcher.

Oti then became the first professional to defend her Strictly crown, helping comedian Bill Bailey pull off a shock win in 2020.

Leaving Strictly

Oti shocked fans when she announced she was leaving Strictly.

Announcing the news in 2022, she told her fans: “Never easy to say goodbye.

“I have been part of the most amazing TV show, Strictly Come Dancing for the past seven years and it has been an incredible time.

“Lifting the glitterball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers!

“You are my family and I adore you all forever.”

Before announcing she was leaving, Oti was fully expected to try for a sensational hat-trick and scoop the Glitterball for a third time.

But she later revealed that the pressure of dealing with difficult celebrity contestants on the show often left her struggling to eat properly.

She said: “Luckily my husband again has been an amazing person who has seen the dark days, the days where I’m in the shower crying with my clothes on because it’s so hard and it’s so overwhelming.

“He’s seen me not eat, he’s seen me overeat, he’s seen me struggle with not being able to get the best out of someone.

“He’s seen me having to deal with ‘interesting personalities.’

“So, he’s the person that’s seen the behind the scenes at the point where I’d got to where I was like: ‘I think I’m finished.’ He was like: ‘Yeah’.”

TV fame

Oti had some experience of dancing on the telly prior to Strictly Come Dancing.

She took part in the German version of the BBC One show and moved there to develop her professional career.

Oti was also a judge on the BBC talent show The Greatest Dancer and was joined on the panel by Cheryl, Matthew Morrison and Todrick Hall.

She appeared on Channel 4’s Celebrity Googlebox alongside her siblings, as well as on Celebrity Masterchef.

Oti was also a panellist on The Masked Dancer, and took part Celebrity Bake Off 2024.

After she decided to step away from Strictly Come Dancing, she became a new judge on Dancing on Ice.

In 2024, Oti was announced as a campmate on I’m A Celebrity 2024.

Meet Marcus

Oti’s husband and professional dance partner, Marius Iepure, was born in August 1982 in Romania.

He first discovered his love of dancing at the age of 12.

Marius participated in the show Let’s Dance in 2014 and 2015.

The professional ballroom dancers met in Germany during a dance trial.

They have competed in several competitions together, winning gold at the German National Show Dance Championships.

They also came second at the World Latin Championships.

Marius popped the question to Oti on his birthday in 2014 and they tied the knot the same year.

Becoming a mum

Oti gave birth to her first child, a baby girl, on Christmas Day in 2023 – but she is yet to reveal her name or face with the public.

Announcing her daughter’s birth, she shared a sweet Instagram post of the new addition to their family.

Oti wrote next to the sweet snap: “Merry Christmas Wishing you all a wonderful festive season and special memories with loved ones.”