It’s been claimed the BBC is worried about what secrets Oti Mabuse may spill on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!
The former Strictly Come Dancing pro, 34, is heading into the jungle alongside the likes of Coleen Rooney, Tulisa and GK Barry.
Oti, who now serves as a judge on Dancing On Ice after leaving Strictly in 2022 after seven years, has said she’s ‘up for the challenge’ and wants people to see her ‘away from the talent world’.
But it’s been claimed BBC bosses are worried about what Oti may spill, after Strictly has been engulfed in scandal over the last year, and allegations against pro dancers.
A Strictly source claimed: ‘Oti was such a fixture on Strictly and her sister Motsi is still very much still part of the show.
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‘After the year the show has had, Oti is undoubtedly going to be asked by curious campmates around the fire what she thinks of the furore surrounding Strictly.
‘She was there for years, and you never know what she is going to say.’
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They continued to MailOnline: ‘Everyone will be tuning in and hoping she doesn’t say anything that will cause further trouble for the competition but the bosses are worried.’
This comes after the show has faced numerous scandals.
Amanda Abbington, who quit Strictly after five weeks last year, made allegations against Giovanni Pernice, sparking a months-long investigation.
The findings of the probe were recently released, with the BBC issuing an apology to Sherlock actress Abbington, 53, while upholding some of her complaints, and clearing Pernice, 34, of the most serious allegations.
He had previously rejected ‘any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour’.
Pernice is not the only pro dancer to no longer be a part of Strictly, as Graziano Di Prima was also dropped from the line-up, after allegations he ‘kicked and hit’ his partner Zara McDermott, 27, in the rehearsal room last series.
His rep later admitted that the 30-year-old kicked former Love Island star Zara and said in a statement that he ‘apologised at the time’ and knew he had ‘made a mistake’.
Following the accusations, the BBC announced three major changes to Strictly to support welfare, including having a team member present during training room rehearsals at all times.
Oti left Strictly in 2022, after lifting the Glitterball Trophy for two consecutive years, with Kelvin Fletcher and then Bill Bailey.
She said at the time: ‘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.’
She went on: ‘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.’
Oti added: ‘‘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.’
After being announced as part of the line-up for I’m A Celebrity 2024, Oti revealed she’s a huge fan of the show and has been watching ‘religiously’.
‘I can remember last year thinking: “Ok, this feels right. I am definitely
up for it now, I am up for the challenge”,’ she said.
The mum-of-one, who calls herself ‘a terrible cook’ added: ‘In my head I am a superhero but snakes are not my thing. I am petrified of them and they are my biggest fear.’
She added: ‘I’d like to think I will be a comfort mum in camp. I can listen to stories, motivate and hopefully entertain everyone with a bit of dancing.
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‘I hope to teach everyone a few moves. We will create our own talent show in the jungle!’
The BBC declined to comment when approached by Metro.
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Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturday at 6.45pm on BBC One, while I’m A Celebrity launches on Sunday at 9pm on ITV1.
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