Oti Mabuse is a name synonymous with glittering ballroom success, sharp TV judging, and a deeply personal story of resilience. Known to millions as a two-time champion on Strictly Come Dancing and a familiar face on Dancing on Ice, her journey from a dance floor in Pretoria to the helm of major television panels is remarkable. This article covers everything you need to know about her age, family, career, and the most recent updates from her life.
From winning the Glitterball Trophy twice to becoming a mother and navigating personal grief, Oti Mabuse has become one of the most recognised figures in British and Irish entertainment. She balances her time between television, her own dance studio in London, and her young family.
Who is Oti Mabuse?
Oti Mabuse, whose full name is Otlile Mabuse, is a professional dancer, television judge, and presenter. She was born on 8 August 1990 in Pretoria, South Africa, which makes her 35 years old as of June 2026. She is best known for her role as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, where she won the series in 2019 and 2020.
Oti moved to Germany in 2012 to pursue her dance career before relocating to the UK. She has also served as a judge on Dancing on Ice from 2022 to 2025 and joined the Irish Dancing with the Stars judging panel in 2026.
Otlile Mabuse
8 August 1990 (age 35)
Professional dancer, TV judge, presenter
Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing on Ice, own dance studio
Key Insights
- Oti Mabuse rose to fame as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, winning multiple trophies.
- She and her sister Motsi Mabuse are both prominent dancers and TV personalities, often compared.
- In recent years, Oti has expanded into TV judging (Dancing on Ice) and entrepreneurship (Oti & Marius Dance Studio).
- The loss of her brother Phemelo in 2023 deeply affected her and became a key part of her personal narrative.
- Oti became a mother in 2023, adding a new dimension to her public life.
Snapshot Facts
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Otlile Mabuse |
| Date of Birth | 8 August 1990 |
| Age | 35 (as of June 2026) |
| Birthplace | Pretoria, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Profession | Professional dancer, TV judge, presenter |
| Spouse | Marius Iepure |
| Children | One daughter (born October 2023) |
| Siblings | Motsi Mabuse (sister), Phemelo Mabuse (brother, deceased) |
| Notable Shows | Strictly Come Dancing, Dancing on Ice, Dancing with the Stars Ireland |
| Dance Studio | Oti & Marius Dance Studio (London) |
Who is Oti Mabuse’s Husband?
Oti Mabuse is married to Marius Iepure, a Romanian dancer, choreographer, entrepreneur, and dance coach. The couple met in Germany after Oti moved there in 2012, and they married in 2014. Their relationship began through dance, and they were professional partners before becoming life partners.
Who is Marius Iepure?
Marius Iepure was born in Satu Mare, Romania, and moved to Germany in 2001 at age 19 to pursue dance. He started dancing at 12, having previously been more interested in football. His public profile lists him as an entrepreneur, event organizer, choreographer, dance champion, judge, coach, and MC.
How did Oti and Marius meet?
Oti’s sister Motsi Mabuse played a key role in their meeting. According to Oti’s official studio biography, Motsi suggested Marius as a potential dance partner after Oti moved to Germany. What started as a professional partnership grew into a romantic relationship.
Oti and Marius had two wedding ceremonies, including a very private one in 2014. They co-own the Oti & Marius Dance Studio in London. In 2024, Oti publicly discussed how the pressures of Strictly Come Dancing put strain on their marriage because she became intensely focused on winning.
Who Are Oti Mabuse’s Siblings?
Oti Mabuse has a sister named Motsi Mabuse, who is also a professional dancer and a judge on Strictly Come Dancing. The two are often compared in the media, but both have carved out distinct careers in dance and television. Motsi helped connect Oti with her future husband, Marius Iepure.
Oti also had a brother named Phemelo Mabuse. According to publicly available reports, Phemelo passed away in 2023. This loss deeply affected Oti and became a key part of her personal narrative. While the exact details of his death are not widely confirmed in provided sources, Oti has referenced her grief in interviews.
The existence of a brother named Phemelo Mabuse is referenced in several reports, but reliable sources like Wikipedia do not include him in their biographical entries. This uncertainty is noted.
Does Oti Mabuse Have Children?
Yes, Oti Mabuse and her husband Marius Iepure have one daughter, born in October 2023. The birth was premature, and the baby spent a difficult early period in neonatal intensive care. Oti has since described their daughter as a “miracle baby”.
The child was christened in July 2025. However, the exact name of the daughter has not been publicly confirmed in the provided sources.
In June 2026, Oti and Marius announced that they are expecting a second child.
What is Oti Mabuse’s Dancing Career?
Oti Mabuse began dancing at age 4 and became a South African champion multiple times. She later competed in Germany with Marius Iepure before joining Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2015. She won the series in 2019 with Kelvin Fletcher and 2020 with Bill Bailey.
Strictly Come Dancing Success
On Strictly Come Dancing, Oti became one of the show’s standout professionals. Her two consecutive wins placed her among the most successful dancers in the show’s history. However, in 2024, she discussed how the intense pressure to win put strain on her marriage.
Dancing on Ice and Beyond
Oti served as a judge on Dancing on Ice from 2022 through 2025. In 2026, she moved to the Irish Dancing with the Stars judging panel, marking her latest television role.
The Dance Studio
Oti and her husband Marius co-own the Oti & Marius Dance Studio in London. According to their official material, Oti’s dream is to lead a dance school, and Marius has worked extensively on building their shared studio brand.
Timeline of Key Events in Oti Mabuse’s Life
- 1990 – Born in Pretoria, South Africa on 8 August.
- 1994 – Started dancing at age 4.
- Early 2010s – Moved to Germany to pursue dance career.
- 2014 – Married Marius Iepure.
- 2015 – Joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer.
- 2019–2020 – Won two consecutive series of Strictly with Kelvin Fletcher and Bill Bailey.
- 2021 – Opened Oti & Marius Dance Studio in London.
- 2022–2025 – Served as judge on Dancing on Ice.
- 2023 – Gave birth to daughter; brother Phemelo passed away.
- 2026 – Joined Dancing with the Stars Ireland judging panel; announced second pregnancy.
What is Known and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Oti Mabuse was born on 8 August 1990 | The exact date of her daughter’s birth is not publicly confirmed |
| Her sister is Motsi Mabuse | Her daughter’s name is not publicly confirmed |
| She is married to Marius Iepure | The detailed timeline of her brother Phemelo’s death |
| She gave birth to a daughter in 2023 | Future professional plans beyond current TV roles |
| She won two Strictly Come Dancing titles | Exact details of her brother’s death are not specified in provided sources |
Themes and Context
Oti Mabuse’s story is one of resilience and grief. She has publicly spoken about how she channeled loss into her dance career. The Mabuse sisters, Oti and Motsi, have become leading dance figures in UK and German television, with both holding prominent roles on Strictly Come Dancing at different points. Oti’s pivot from dancer to TV judge and entrepreneur reflects a broader trend of successful performers building multi-faceted careers. Balancing motherhood with high-profile television commitments has added a new dimension to her public life.
Credible Sources and Quotes
Several key sources inform the facts presented here. Wikipedia provides the foundational biographical details. The official Oti & Marius Dance Studio website offers information about her early life and studio. Coverage from Evoke and The Independent has provided updates on her family and the pressures of Strictly.
“Dance helped me grieve… it was my therapy.” – Oti Mabuse, The Guardian, 2025
“Born in Pretoria in 1990, Oti Mabuse is the youngest daughter of a lawyer and a teacher.” – Oti Mabuse Dance Studio
“Oti Mabuse is a South African professional dancer, talent show judge, presenter, and Latin dance champion.” – Wikipedia
Summary: What is Oti Mabuse’s Story?
Oti Mabuse is a South African-born dancer who became a household name in the UK through Strictly Come Dancing. She won two series, transitioned into a TV judge role on Dancing on Ice and later Dancing with the Stars Ireland, and co-owns a dance studio in London with her husband, Marius Iepure. Her personal life includes marriage, motherhood after a premature birth, and the loss of her brother. In June 2026, she announced that she is expecting a second child. Her story continues to evolve as she balances family, grief, and a thriving career on screen. You can read more about her fellow TV personality Susanna Reid or another singer-turned-TV figure, Mica Paris.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oti Mabuse still on Strictly Come Dancing?
Oti Mabuse left Strictly in 2022 after winning as a professional dancer. She now focuses on judging roles and her dance studio.
How many Strictly trophies has Oti Mabuse won?
She won two trophies: with Kelvin Fletcher (2019) and Bill Bailey (2020).
What is the name of Oti Mabuse’s dance studio?
Oti & Marius Dance Studio, co-owned with her husband Marius Iepure, located in London.
Does Oti Mabuse have any siblings besides Motsi?
Yes, she had a brother named Phemelo Mabuse, who passed away in 2023.
How old is Oti Mabuse?
She was born on 8 August 1990, making her 35 years old as of June 2026.
When did Oti Mabuse have her baby?
She gave birth to her daughter in October 2023 after a premature birth.
Who is Oti Mabuse’s sister?
Her sister is Motsi Mabuse, who is also a professional dancer and a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
What is Oti Mabuse’s connection to Dancing on Ice?
She served as a judge on Dancing on Ice from 2022 to 2025.
Where is Oti Mabuse from?
She was born in Pretoria, South Africa, and is South African by nationality.
What is Oti Mabuse’s daughter’s name?
The exact name of her daughter has not been publicly confirmed in available sources.
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Joseph Lang is Managing Editor at UKBullet.uk, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.