Oti Mabuse talks Anton Du Beke's Strictly judge news 'Everyone gets what they've wanted!'
OTI MABUSE has spoken out following the news that Anton Du Beke will be a judge on Strictly Come Dancing 2021, replacing Bruno Tonioli.
Oti Mabuse recalls dance mishap with Anton Du Beke
Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse has said she is "super proud" of her co-star Anton Du Beke, after it was announced that he will be a judge on this year's show. The 54-year-old professional dancer, who has been on the programme since it launched in 2004, will replace Bruno Tonioli to join Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Shirley Ballas on the judging panel.
"He made it! JUDGE @mrantondubeke," Oti wrote on Instagram today, followed by a string of red hearts.
"Super proud of you Anton and so happy!
"Feels like positivity is in the air - everyone gets what they’ve wanted and hoped for for years and it’s a beautiful sight to see with the @bbcstrictly first @jmanrara now @mrantondubeke nothing but joy and pride for both of you.
Oti went on to say that she will miss dancing with Anton in the professional numbers.
"We will miss you Anton in rehearsals - you were my first ever strictly professional partner but it will be better to see you doing what you love #strictly," her post continued, in view of her 583,000 followers.
Fellow pro Amy Dowden shared lots of heart emojis in the comments section of the post.
Meanwhile, Graziano Di Prima tweeted: "Youuu Made it!! New Judge on @bbcstrictly!!
So proud of you!! The one and only @mrantondubeke."
Anton himself took to the micro-blogging site following the announcement from Strictly.
"I'm so excited! Thrilled to be joining these wonderful judges @bbcstrictly," he wrote online.
Earlier today, the official Strictly Come Dancing Twitter account tweeted the news.
Alongside new pictures of the foursome, the post read: "It’s the judges!
"Please welcome back to Strictly, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse AND Anton Du Beke, who’ll be stepping into Bruno Tonioli’s shoes for 2021!"
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"The news we wanted and needed. Very excited. You will be amazing," one social media user wrote in the comments section of the post.
"It’s about time. I am SOOOOO happy you are finally joining the judging panel. It’s more than well deserved. Bring on the new series," another added.
Following his two week stint in the hot seat last year, Anton will be a judge for the whole 2021 series.
The appointment was made after it was revealed that Bruno, who also appears on the American version of the show, Dancing With The Stars, is unable to take part.
Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, he cannot travel between the two countries as he has previously done.
Anton said: “My loves I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be stepping into Bruno’s brogues for the next series of Strictly.
"It’s a dream come true to be judging alongside the best of the best and I promise to be kinder to all the couples than any of them have ever been to me.”
Bruno added: “Whilst I am gutted to not be on the show this year there is one person and one person only that could take my place - it’s just a shame they weren’t available...haha!
"Darlings I’m kidding, I’m kidding! Seriously though, I have to tell you, Anton IS Mr Strictly and if anybody is filling in for me, it has to be him. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way and I am so excited to see him waggle his paddle.”