Strictly Come Dancing co-presenter Claudia Winkleman has addressed Oti Mabuse's exit from the show, saying that "she will be terribly missed".
The professional dancer confirmed back in February that she will not be returning for the next series of the BBC dancing show, explaining it had been a "difficult" decision to make.
Speaking in a new interview with The Sun, Claudia reacted: "I'm sad Oti Mabuse is leaving. We will miss her so much… I don't like it when people leave.
"She will be terribly missed as she is phenomenal."
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In her original statement, Oti said: "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."
Oti added: "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.
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"I can't put into words how difficult this decision has been, but I have decided not to return for the next series."
She later elaborated to You magazine: "It feels like I'm leaving family behind – even the backstage team, the people viewers don't get to see – but when you know it's time to go, you know."
Oti isn't the only professional saying goodbye to Strictly this year, with Aljaž Škorjanec also set to depart ahead of the 2022 series.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One.
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