Oti Mabuse has admitted she feels ‘shattered inside’ after her niece Tlhogi passed away aged 28.
The Dancing On Ice judge, 31, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a collection of photos together, while calling her late relative her ‘best friend’ and ‘sister’.
She wrote: ‘How is this the last time I would hold you in my arms. I am so shattered inside I can’t even begin to describe the pain.
‘I can’t even begin to describe the pain’: Oti Mabuse has admitted she feels ‘shattered inside’ after her niece Tlhogi passed away aged 28
‘This is not how this was supposed to go. We had plans together, travel the world and dance on a beach in Jamaica for my birthday.
‘I used to fetch you everyday from crèche, swimming, chess since we were 8. You were only 28 yet the kindest, sweetest human being in my life!
‘I’ve lost my niece, my little sister, my best friend ☹️ Life dealt you the harshest card but you always chose to win, you always fought to come out the other side above it all with a smile on your face.
‘I love you much with all my heart and now you’re gone and I feel lost in more ways than one to a pain I’ve never felt before.
Tragic: The Dancing On Ice judge, 31, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a collection of photos together, while calling her late relative her ‘best friend’ and ‘sister’
Heartbreaking: She wrote: ‘How is this the last time I would hold you in my arms. I am so shattered inside I can’t even begin to describe the pain’
‘I’m still calling you and texting you trying to understand – how? Why? May you rest in peace and power. My sweet Tlhogi, say hi to Koko, Abuti Neo Le Malume Tshepo.
‘I promise to take care of Sesi, Nanikie and Mpho for you x.’
Her celebrity friend rushed to the comments section, with Michelle Visage writing: ‘I’m so sorry my love,’ and Laura Whitmore adding: ‘Thinking of you ❤️.’
Dianne Buswell penned: ‘I’m sorry for your loss oti xxxxx sending lots of love.’
Upsetting: ‘This is not how this was supposed to go. We had plans together, travel the world and dance on a beach in Jamaica for my birthday’
Moving: In her caption, she wrote wrote emotionally about her ‘sweetest’ relative
Sophie Habboo chimed in: ‘I’m so sorry Oti, sending all of my love ❤️❤️.’
Alexandra Burke commented: ‘Sending you love my darling I’m so sorry for your loss xxx.’
It follows reports that Oti will be replaced on Strictly Come Dancing by Polish professional Jowita Przystal.
The professional dancer took to Instagram on Tuesday where she confirmed she wouldn’t be returning to the BBC One programme this autumn.
Oti wants to pursue other TV opportunities having established herself as a talent show judge with roles on ITV’s The Masked Dancer and the current series of Dancing On Ice.
Support: Her celebrity friend rushed to the comments section, with Michelle Visage writing: ‘I’m so sorry my love,’ and Laura Whitmore adding: ‘Thinking of you ❤️’
And now it has been claimed that Jowita, 27, – who only joined the team of dancers last year but wasn’t partnered with a celebrity in the last series – will fill her shoes.
Jowita made her debut in the show’s Christmas special last December where she was partnered with Adrian Childs.
A source told The Sun of Jowita: ‘She is very much seen as a rising star within the show’s team of dancers.
‘And producers like to continually introduce fresh blood to the Strictly troupe. That was one of the reasons they brought Oti into the show seven years ago when she was relatively unknown.’
Rumours: It follows reports that Oti will be replaced on Strictly Come Dancing by Polish professional Jowita Przystal (pictured)
The BBC was contacted by MailOnline for a comment at the time.
Oti was Jowita’s mentor when she appeared on BBC1 dance contest, The Greatest Dancer, which she went on to win in 2020 with her partner and boyfriend, Michael Danilczuk.
The pro dancer leaves Strictly after winning the Glitterball trophy for two consecutive years with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 37, and comedian Bill Bailey, 56.
In her leaving announcement Oti shared a selection of photographs highlighting her time on Strictly, with snaps of herself alongside her celebrity partners, and a group shot from the latest series.
Sad: The professional dancer took to Instagram on Tuesday where she confirmed that she wouldn’t be returning to the BBC One programme this autumn
She captioned the post: ‘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 glitter ball 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. Thank you @sarahjamesface @jack.will.g and @jasongilkison for truly believing in me.
‘I’m honestly so grateful to The BBC and will always remember that Strictly and BBC brought me to the UK – which I now call home and I have learnt and grown so much. Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
Star: Jowita made her debut in the show’s Christmas special last December where she was partnered with Adrian Childs
‘I can’t put into words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.
‘Dance will always be my first love and to everyone, my family especially, friends, strictly fans and judges who have been my support throughout my strictly journey, thank you for being incredible!
‘You are irreplaceable in my heart and have made everyday unforgettable! I love you. I will always Keeeep Dancing! and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience! Lots of Love Oti xxx.’
Shortly after her own announcement, Strictly Come Dancing paid tribute to Oti in a statement shared on their social media pages.
Fame: Oti was Jowita’s mentor when she appeared on The Greatest Dancer, which she won in 2020 with her boyfriend, Michael (Michael pictured congratulating her for joining Strictly)
It read: ‘Oti has been a truly wonderful part of Strictly for the past seven years.
‘Her energy, creativity and talent have contributed to so many of the show’s most memorable moments and she will be hugely missed, not only by viewers, but the entire team.
‘She leaves a dazzling legacy behind her, as the only professional dancer to lift the Glitterball trophy in two consecutive years.
‘We couldn’t be prouder of Oti and what she has achieved. She will also be at the very heart of our Strictly family and we wish her every success in her already bright future.’
Career: Oti wants to pursue other TV opportunities having established herself as a talent show judge with roles on ITV’s The Masked Dancer and the current series of Dancing On Ice
Her confirmation came after a TV source revealed to MailOnline earlier this week: ‘Oti has had a fantastic time on Strictly, she has achieved more than she could have ever dreamed of but now is the right time for her to explore new and exciting opportunities that have come her way.
‘She will always be thankful to Strictly for giving her a platform in the UK and the memorable experiences that’s had over the years.
‘Now she is looking forward to working on new projects and following in her sister’s steps into judging.’
Strictly judge Motsi, 40, has been guiding younger sister Oti’s foray into judging and giving her tips.
She made her judging debut in 2019 alongside Cheryl Tweedy, 38, in BBC One series The Greatest Dancer but her switch to ITV show The Masked Dancer impressed bosses, eventually leading to her role of judge on Dancing On Ice.
Double champ! Oti won the glitterball for the first time with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher, 37 (pictured in 2019)
The South African dancer was also recently revealed as the host of new ITV dating show Romeo & Duet, telling her Instagram followers last month: ‘My heart is just full with excitement and joy about this announcement.’
Oti is an eight-time South African Latin American Champion and first joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 when she was partnered with Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo, 33, finishing in 14th place.
The following year she reached the final with Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac, 33, losing out to eventual winner Ore Oduba, 36.
In 2017, she was partnered with Paralympian Jonnie Peacock, 28, finishing in 8th place before performing with Graeme Swann, 42, for the show’s 2018 series, where she was knocked out in Week 8.
She became only the second professional dancer to win the show twice, lifting the Glitterball with Kelvin in 2019 and Bill in 2020.
During her final series in 2021 she starred with rugby ace Ugo Monye, 38, finishing 11th in the Covid-hit season.
In April last year, Oti hinted 2021 could be her final season on Strictly.
She said: ‘I love to dance and also I love bringing joy to so many people, but I think that [this year’s Strictly] will be the last one.
‘To be part of a show like Strictly, which is so diverse in every sense of the word, is incredible.’
Bye, team! Oti shared a selection of photographs highlighting her time on Strictly in her exit announcement, with snaps of herself with all of her celebrity partners, and a group shot
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