Strictly Come Dancing judge 'bans' pro dancer from replacing Tess and Claudia

Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has put her foot down and banned her sister Oti Mabuse, who was a former professional dancer on the show, from replacing Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman . The presenting duo of the beloved BBC dance competition shocked the nation last week when they announced they were quitting the series in a bombshell statement. In an emotional Instagram video, Tess and Claudia announced they would be stepping down from the show after this series. They stated: "We have loved working as a duo, and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time." Their last appearance on the show, will be during the pre-recorded Christmas Day special. The pair are yet to be replaced, however, several names have been circulating in regards to who will take over, these include Zoe Ball and Janette Manara or Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder. Now, Motsi - who serves as a judge alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas - has ruled out her sister Oti taking up presenting the show, Wale Online reports. Oti, who was a pro on the competition for seven years, quit the show in 2022, moving on to judge the ITV show Dancing On Ice. During an appearance on Loose Women, Motsi revealed that she had no idea that Claudia and Tess would be leaving the show, before they announced the news. She explained: "It was a surprise for all of us, it happened unannounced, we didn't expect it" When asked if Oti could be the next host, Motsi fiercely stated: "I wouldn't let her do it, because I would want to protect her from it. "I know what type of show it is, I know what type of pressure it is, I know whose shoes she is stepping into. "As an older sister, I wouldn't want to do that to my sister. I want her to be in a safe space, where she can develop, where she has time to grow, where there's a future, and I don't want everything on her back." She added: "I would love her to do it, I would love it for her, but at the same time, I wouldn't want what it comes with for her." This comes after Motsi showed support online for Tess and Claudia as they announced their exit, commenting below Tess' post: "I'm reeling from the news, Tess! "You've left me speechless, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Sending you love and best wishes. your absence will be deeply felt on Strictly. What an end of an era!" She added on Claudia's post: "Going to miss you so much! You're an icon and inspiration. Still in shock, but wishing you love and best wishes."