Otlile Mabuse – Biography, Husband, Sisters, and TV Career

Oti Mabuse is a South African professional dancer, Latin dance champion, and television personality who rose to fame in the UK as a two-time winner of Strictly Come Dancing. She has since become a familiar face as a judge on Dancing on Ice and the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars. Her journey from a champion dancer in South Africa to a leading figure on British television is marked by talent, resilience, and a deep connection to her family.

Born Otlile Mabuse on 8 August 1990 in Pretoria, she is the youngest daughter of a lawyer and a teacher. She began dancing at the age of four, encouraged by her mother who set up a dance school for her and her sisters. Before committing fully to dance, she studied civil engineering at university but left her studies to pursue ballroom dancing professionally.

Oti is an eight-time South African Latin American Champion and represented her country at the World Championships. In 2012, she moved to Nuremberg, Germany, to advance her career, a decision that would also lead her to meet her future husband and dance partner, Marius Iepure.

Who Is Oti Mabuse? Biography and Early Life

• Oti Mabuse is the younger sister of Motsi Mabuse, a fellow professional dancer and judge on Strictly Come Dancing.
• She married Marius Iepure in 2014; the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2023.
• Despite being a Strictly professional dancer, she served as a judge on the UK’s Dancing on Ice.
• Oti Mabuse appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2022.
• Her brother’s death in 2012 deeply influenced her perspective on life and career.
• She co-owns the Oti Mabuse Dance Studio in London with her husband.

Who Is Oti Mabuse’s Husband? Is She Married?

Oti Mabuse is married to Romanian dancer Marius Iepure. The couple met in Germany in 2012 and formed a professional dance partnership. They married in 2014. Together, they won the Professional German Showdance Latin Championship and reached third place in the World Championships. They moved to London from Germany in 2015 and currently live there.

Who Are Oti Mabuse’s Sisters? Motsi Mabuse and Phemelo Mabuse

Motsi Mabuse

Motsi Mabuse is Oti’s elder sister and a well-known professional ballroom dancer. She serves as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in the UK and on Dancing with the Stars in Germany. The two sisters have appeared on television together, including on Strictly Come Dancing.

Phemelo Mabuse

Oti’s other sister, Phemelo Mabuse, also danced professionally. Oti has noted in interviews that Phemelo was the “best dancer” of the three siblings.

Does Oti Mabuse Have a Daughter?

Yes, Oti Mabuse and her husband Marius Iepure have a daughter. They announced the birth of their first child on Christmas Day 2023. The child’s name has not been publicly disclosed.

Oti Mabuse’s Television Career: Strictly, Dancing on Ice, and I’m a Celebrity

Strictly Come Dancing

Oti joined the British Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in its 13th series in 2015. She won the Glitterball Trophy twice: in 2019 with boxer Kelvin Fletcher and in 2020 with comedian Bill Bailey. She was a professional dancer on the show, not a judge.

Dancing on Ice

In 2022, Oti became a judge on ITV’s Dancing on Ice, a role she held through the 2025 season. She joined the judging panel for the Irish version of Dancing with the Stars in 2026.

I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Oti appeared as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! in 2022.

Other TV Work

She served as a panellist on The Masked Dancer in 2021 and was a Dance Captain on The Greatest Dancer. Her documentary Oti Mabuse – My South Africa was broadcast on BBC One in 2022.

Oti Mabuse’s Dance Background and Professional Achievements

Oti Mabuse is an eight-time South African Latin American Champion. She represented South Africa at the World Championships. After moving to Germany, she and Marius Iepure became Professional German Champions in Showdance Latin and vice European Champions in Showdance Latin. She launched her TV career on the German version of Strictly, titled Let’s Dance.

She co-founded the Oti Mabuse Dance Studio in London with her husband. She has also published a children’s book and launched her own tour, I Am Here, in 2026.

Oti Mabuse Career Timeline

1. 1990: Born in Pretoria, South Africa.
2. 1994: Started dancing at age 4.
3. 2012: Moved to Germany; met Marius Iepure.
4. 2015: Joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer.
5. 2019: Won Strictly Come Dancing with Kelvin Fletcher.
6. 2020: Won Strictly Come Dancing for a second time with Bill Bailey.
7. 2022: Became a judge on Dancing on Ice; appeared on I’m a Celebrity.
8. 2023: Gave birth to her first child, a daughter.
9. 2026: Joined the judging panel for the Irish Dancing with the Stars.

Clarifying Common Questions About Oti Mabuse

What Is the Context of Oti Mabuse’s Success?

Oti Mabuse’s career is a story of adaptability and talent. She transitioned from a champion Latin dancer in South Africa to a professional on one of the UK’s most popular television shows. Her move to Germany and then to London allowed her to build a career that spans multiple countries and formats. Personal tragedy, including the loss of her brother, has been a recurring theme in her public narrative, with dance serving as a form of healing. The distinction between her role and that of her sister Motsi on Strictly Come Dancing is a frequent source of audience confusion.

Sources and Quotes About Oti Mabuse

“When Mabuse lost her brother, dance helped her grieve. Then it made her a star.”

— The Guardian (2025 interview)

“Otlile ‘Oti’ Mabuse (born 8 August 1990) is a South African professional dancer, talent show judge, presenter, and Latin dance champion.”

— Wikipedia

“Born in Pretoria in 1990, Oti Mabuse is the youngest daughter of a lawyer and a teacher.”

— Oti Mabuse Dance Studio

Summary: Who Is Oti Mabuse?

Oti Mabuse is a South African professional dancer and television personality who won Strictly Come Dancing twice and later became a judge on Dancing on Ice. She is married to dancer Marius Iepure, has a daughter, and is the sister of Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse. Her career reflects a journey from champion dancer to a prominent figure on UK television. For more on the world of dance and television judging, read about Len Goodman – Cause of Death, Wife, Net Worth and Career.

Frequently Asked Questions