Strictly bosses could replace Oti Mabuse with her little-known sister Phemelo
STRICTLY bosses have drawn up a list of dancers to replace outgoing Oti Mabuse — with little-known sister Phemelo at the top.
The Sun on Sunday revealed in November that Oti, 31, was planning to quit as a professional dancer after the most recent series.
And sources last night said that BBC bosses intend to ask her and eldest sister Motsi, 40 — a judge on the show — if middle sister Phemelo, 35, would consider joining.
Phemelo shares her sisters’ dance pedigree — but currently works as an engineer.
A source said: “Oti is a hard act to follow as a professional dancer and the bosses have been discussing making her sister Phemelo an offer to join.
“Strictly is so family-friendly, and having Oti and Motsi on board has really played into that, so Phemelo could be a brilliant replacement.
"But they would have to make a really attractive offer to get her on board.”
“She has a successful career as an engineer in South Africa now, so to some it seems like a long shot. But they would love to have her involved.”
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As a youngster, Phemelo won the South African title in Latin American and ballroom dance, and went on to compete at World Championship level.
She has taught ballroom dance in Pretoria and Johannesburg and appeared as a pro dancer on South Africa’s version of Strictly in 2006.
Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show last year, Oti said of Phemelo: “To be honest, we have another sister, middle sister, she was the better dancer.
"She’s a mechanical engineer. She designs windmills which create electricity through wind in South Africa.”
A BBC spokeswoman last night declined to comment.
