Strictly Come Dancing fans were left missing one of the show’s most beloved stars as Oti Mabuse was nowhere to be seen on Friday’s launch episode.
The BBC hit is back for another series with the celebrity contestants being partnered up with their professional dance partners on Friday.
But two-time champion Oti, 32, was absent as she previously confirmed she would not be returning for the 2022 series as she focuses on other projects.
Absence: Strictly Come Dancing fans were left missing one of the show’s most beloved stars as Oti Mabuse was nowhere to be seen on Friday’s episode
Her absence was glaring for many viewers who quickly took to social media to express their sadness that she wouldn’t be seen this season.
One user wrote: ‘Not gonna lie, I really miss Oti,’ while another said: ‘I keep remembering that Oti isn’t on Strictly this year’.
Another fan added: ‘I’m really going to miss Oti this year. He choreography every year was always amazing.’
Other viewers noted that Aljaz Skorjanec was also not taking part this year, with one writing: ‘I miss oti & Aljaz so much but the new professionals are gorgeous’.
Return: The BBC hit is back for another series with the celebrity contestants being partnered up with their professional dance partners on Friday (this year’s female dancers pictured)
Oti took to Instagram in February and confirmed that she wouldn’t be returning to the BBC One dance show after seven years.
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.
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!
Reaction: Her absence was glaring for many viewers who quickly took to social media to express their sadness that she wouldn’t be seen this season
‘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.
‘I can’t put into words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series.
Departure: Oti took to Instagram in February and confirmed that she wouldn’t be returning to the BBC One dance show after seven years (pictured with Kelvin Fletcher in 2019)
‘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.’
She left Strictly after winning the Glitterball trophy in two consecutive years with Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher. and comedian Bill Bailey.
Memories: Oti shared a selection of photographs highlighting her time on Strictly, with snaps of herself alongside her celebrity partners (pictured with Bill Bailey in 2020)
Leading the pack this year is reigning champion Giovanni Pernice, who will form one of two same-sex pairings this series, as he takes to the floor with Richie Anderson, while comedian Jayde Adams will perform with Karen Hauer.
Elsewhere, Helen Skelton will take to the floor with Gorka Marquez after becoming a last-minute addition to the show, while Katya Jones has been partnered with footballer Tony Adams.
For the first time in the show’s history, there will be two same-sex couples performing in the same series, with Karen, who last year danced with Greg Wise, taking to the floor with comedian Jayde.
Kai Widdrington, who was last year forced to withdraw from the final after his celebrity partner AJ Odudu suffered an injury, will this year dance with broadcaster Kaye Adams.
Revealed! The Strictly Come Dancing 2022 pairings have been revealed and leading the pack is reigning champion Giovanni Pernice, who will form one of two same-sex pairings this series, while Helen Skelton will take to the floor with Gorka Marquez
Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds will dance with Nikita Kuzmin, who last year took to the floor with Tilly Ramsay, while singer and DJ Fleur East has been coupled with newcomer Vito Coppola.
Last year’s finalist Johannes Radebe, who had performed with Great British Bake Off star John Whaite, will this year dance with comedian Ellie Taylor.
EastEnders star James Bye, who insists he has ‘got zero dance experience’ will perform with pro Amy Dowden, while singer and CBBC star Molly Rainford will take to the dancefloor with series newcomer Carlos Gu.
Coronation Street star Kym Marsh will dance with Graziano Di Prima, who last year took to the floor with Judi Love, while Matt Goss has been paired up with Nadiya Bychkova.
Show them what you’ve got! The fifteen couples have been working hard in the training room, with all of them taking to the floor for the first time with their partners on Friday
New faces: During Friday’s launch the four pros were officially introduced to viewers through a pre-filmed cinematic dance routine
DJ Tyler West will dance with Dianne Buswell, who last year withdrew from the series alongside Robert Webb due to his health concerns.
Rounding out this year’s couples are actor Will Mellor, who has been partnered with Nancy Xu, and Countryfile’s Hamza Yassin, who will dance with Jowita Przystal.
The fifteen couples have been working hard in the training room, with their debut performance set to air during the first Strictly live show on Saturday, with the judging panel scoring each dance out of 40.
The pairs will then deliver a second performance the following week when the public vote will open, before a results show on Sunday reveals which two pairs received the fewest votes and must compete in the dance off.
The judges will then decide which couple they would like to save, and the other pair will be eliminated.
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