STRICTLY Come Dancing’s veteran judge Craig Revel-Horwood has called Oti Mabuse’s departure “brilliant news”.
The pro dancer has quit the BBC hit after seven years having been showered with TV offers.
Speaking about her departure on This Morning today Craig, 57, insisted: “This is brilliant news.
“She has become a huge star in her own right and I think that is the way to treat the business.”
Addressing Phillip Schofield, he added: “There is only so long you can actually spend in one show as you know from musical theatre.
“You just don’t want to do the same role for seven years. I think it’s the best move she will ever make.”
Craig, a judge on Strictly Come Dancing since it started in 2004, said: “She is fantastic as a presenter and I just love her.
“She’s just brilliant, I will miss having the odd dance with her because of course she’s the tallest pro that we have so I always have to dance with her. Always correcting me she was.”
He concluded: “I will miss her but I get to see her on the telly so that’s great.”
Oti confirmed she would not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing in an emotional statement on social media today.
She wrote: “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.”
Oti added: “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.”
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