STRICTLY veteran Oti Mabuse was on hand as rehearsals got under way for the BBC One dance contest yesterday.
But the show’s former pro, 33, was just returning to lend her choreography skills.
Oti, 33, quit Strictly two years ago and became a judge on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
Pro dancer Nancy Xu, 32, also looked delighted to be back for rehearsals.
Oti and her husband Marius Lepure welcomed their first child back in December.
In April the couple took their newborn daughter on her first flight, with Oti admitting she was extremely anxious about it.
Oti was flying to Germany to visit her sister – Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse – and she was desperate for her daughter to feel “calm and comfortable”.
But before she had even stepped onto the plane, Oti admitted she was trying not to cry.
Sharing a clip of herself in the airport next to her buggy, Oti told her followers on Instagram: “Man this parenting business is a trip.
“I’ve never held back tears so long in my life – everything is a first and I want her to feel calm and comfortable.
“I was so nervous she would be crying but she’s laughing, interested and most importantly not scared at all.”
Oti added: “We are such lucky parents. Now FOR THE ACTUAL FLIGHT. Wish us luck!”
Luckily for Oti the flight to Germany was plain sailing and their daughter – who they have decided not to name publicly – was a dream.
“All in all!!! A great first experience!” Oti admitted, once on the other side.
“Going back home tomorrow solo. Let’s see how that goes.”
