'It's hard not to take it personally': Strictly's Motsi Mabuse talks dealing with criticism, taking over from Darcey Bussell and why she won't be favourably biased towards sister Oti
Two weeks in and she is already a hit with Strictly Come Dancing viewers for her 'sassy' attitude and vibrant personality.
And Motsi Mabuse reflects on dealing with criticism, taking over from Darcey Bussell and why she won't be accused of being biased to sister Oti in the latest issue of Good Housekeeping.
The professional dancer, 38, who has been a judge on Germany's Let's Dance for the past eight years, admitted it is hard not to take criticism personally after securing her role as judge on Strictly.
Speaking out: Strictly Come Dancing's new judge Motsi Mabuse reflects on dealing with criticism, taking over from Darcey Bussell and why she won't be biased to sister Oti
'Once you've been in the public eye, you are always going to be criticised,' Motsi said.
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'Strictly is the master of all dance programmes. It's so big! I've been watching the German show grow, but in the UK, I'm coming in when it's already huge!....You learn not to take things personally, but it can be hard.'
Back in July, Motsi, the lookalike sister of Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse was confirmed as Dame Darcey's replacement on the judging panel of the BBC1 show.
Big shoes to fill: Back in July, Motsi, the lookalike sister of Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse was confirmed as Dame Darcey's replacement on the judging panel of the BBC1 show
Of being asked to take her shoes, Motsi said: 'I'm a completely different character [to Darcey]..I'm just me and Darcey is Darcey.
'She's so beautiful and elegant and I'm just different to her.'
Ahead of her debut, many fans claimed the Let's Dance star would favour her younger sibling Oti.
Tough: The professional dancer, who has been a judge on Germany's Let's Dance for the past eight years, admitted it is hard not to take Strictly criticism personally (pictured June)
Bias? As news of Darcey's replacement spread, fans took to social media to question whether or not Motsi will be able to score her sibling 'without bias' (pictured together in Berlin in 2016)
No need to worry! But Mabuse insisted this wasn't the case as she said: 'I'm not nervous about working with Oti because we've done it before'
But Mabuse insisted this wasn't the case as she said: 'I'm not nervous about working with Oti because we've done it before.
'I've been teaching her since she could walk, and we have a big sense of trust as sisters.
We're professional at what we do and we want to get that professionalism across. We want to go into this with fresh energy and have fun.'
Originally from South Africa, Motsi is a former South African Champion and German Latin Champion in 2009 and 2010.
After a successful stint as a professional dancer for the first three series of Let's Dance, Motsi was upgraded to become a judge for series four in 2011, and has remained in the role for the past nine series, making her a firm choice to replace Darcey.
Full story: Read the interview in the November issue of Good Housekeeping
The retired ballerina, 50, officially announced she was leaving Strictly in April with a lengthy statement after six years on the panel.
She said at the time: 'It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team.
'I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.
'I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better.
'I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day'.
Read the full interview in the November issue of Good Housekeeping, on-sale now.
Talented: Originally from South Africa, Motsi is a former South African Champion and German Latin Champion in 2009 and 2010 (pictured July 2017)
