Dancer Oti Mabuse has candidly opened up about her time in the I’m A Celebrity jungle as she hits back at fans judging her for entering with a one year old

Oti opens up about being judged for her I’m A Celebrity stint
Professional dancer Oti Mabuse has opened up about being judged for taking part in last year’s I’m A Celebrity, a year after giving birth to her daughter. The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 34, came fourth in last years series, taking several weeks away from her family.

The star gave birth to her daughter in November 2023 – 10 weeks earlier than her due date. Her daughter, whose name Oti and her husband Marius have decided to keep private, came home on Christmas Eve 2023.

Oti could be heard gushing about her family on the show, and was reunited with her husband during emotional scenes in the jungle towards the final.

Speaking about her time in the jungle to The Sun, Oti said: “That’s the thing that I loved about the jungle – you were in the middle of nowhere, there was no to-do list. “There were no responsibilities except to cook the rice and beans, and start a fire. My mind felt so rested and really content. Real life is not like that.”

Oti opens up about feeling judged during her stint on I’m A Celebrity (Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Despite the ups, the professional dancer opened up about feeling judged on the outside. “These people don’t know me or my relationship or my home situation.

The response from everyone seemed to be, ‘How could you leave your baby?’” she questioned as she pointed out how there were dads including Danny Jones and Alan Halsall in camp.

Oti then expressed the need for people to stop saying it’s just the mum with the child – revealing her husband was more than happy with her to take part. She then opened up on the need to work – and hoping her daughter looks up to her in the future.

Viewers witnessed emotional scenes in the jungle as she opened up about the loss of her brother Neo, who died by suicide. This then sparked an emotional conversation with McFly’s Danny Jones and his battles with mental health.

“I had a lot of growth in the jungle. I never thought in a million years I’d go on the show and feel good about opening up,” she told the publication, as she credits the show for helping her to open up.

After leaving Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, Oti moved her talents over to the Dancing On Ice judging panel. It was announced earlier this week that the show would be coming to an end after 19 years – but Oti sparked fears before with a ‘final’ post.

The dancer posted an array of snaps showcasing her stunning series wardrobe. “The BIG FINAL is here! Four years of Dancing on Ice – what an incredible journey! From jaw-dropping performances to unforgettable moments, I love every single second of being part of this magical show,” Oti expressed in the caption.

“A massive THANK YOU to the entire team, my fellow judges, the pro skaters, and of course, the brave celebrities who have given their all on the ice. And to YOU, the amazing viewers – your support means everything!”