Strictly star breaks silence on no longer taking part after pulling out of BBC live show

One show star has ruled out taking part in the Strictly annual tour in 2026. Motsi Mabuse has broken her silence as the show judge announced she will not be part of the tour. It comes as her fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood are set to hit the road with this year's 2025 contestants for the Strictly: Live Tour. Despite having taken part in previous years, the judge will not be on the panel in the coming months.

Speaking about her decision the 44-year-old explained she would be prioritising her family this year but hopes to take part in the tour in 2027. "As a working mum, you have to make those balancing decisions," she told The Sun. "I have one child starting school, so I experience everything just once."

She continued: "It's for the first time and the last time. I need to know that she's fine before I can do things. Everybody [at Strictly] was very understanding. I loved doing the tour, so I'll be back next time."

"We live once," Motsi added.

"It is about making those tough choices. Sometimes a mum has to go to work, because if you don't, your kids will not eat. If you are lucky enough to be able to make decisions like I did, then take them."

The Strictly judge joined the panel in 2019 having replaced Darcey Bussell.

She also dished on Dianne Buswell's baby news. The Strictly professional is pregnant with her first child with boyfriend Joe Sugg, who she met on the show seven years ago.

Dianne is making Strictly history as the first pro to compete on the BBC show while pregnant.

"We had a dancer on Let's Dance in Germany who was pregnant with twins, and they danced the whole time," Motsi commented.

"My doctor said to me, 'You're not sick, you're pregnant.' I danced until the baby came! Well, not quite, but we all do it."

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6.30pm