Oti Mabuse is making quite the splash as she steps onto the reality show scene with her participation in I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!. The former Strictly Come Dancing star recently revealed her decision to venture to Australia for the show, which has been touted as unprecedented for her family life. At just 34, the seasoned dancer and judge has already enjoyed a successful career, but now she’s ready to embrace new challenges, especially as she continues to navigate motherhood.
For Mabuse, this venture isn’t just about fame; it’s about inspiration. Leaving her one-year-old daughter at home was no small feat, yet Oti feels it’s the right time for her to pursue personal goals. "I’ve always wanted to be part of the show, and I felt, right now, this year is the only year for me to do it because I'll probably never do it again," she said. This spirit of adventure is palpable, not only for her own aspirations but also because she wishes to set examples of ambition for her daughter.
Oti has emphasized the importance of being true to oneself. It was pivotal for her to express her desire to grow both as a mother and as an individual. "Mum has goals as well, and I think it’s something as mums we can all kind of be proud of, to be these incredible human beings as well as accomplish things we want," she explained. This ethos embodies both her commitment to her family and her thirst for personal fulfillment. Oti shared her hopes of one day being able to look back and have her daughter say, "Yeah, my mum did this. My mum did this."
The decision came after Oti experienced traumatic moments during her daughter’s birth. Her baby girl, whose name remains private, was born premature and faced significant health challenges, which included complications after Oti developed sepsis during pregnancy. Despite these hurdles, the couple navigated their way through their daughter’s recovery with strength, and now Oti feels confident about her husband Marius Iepure taking care of their child during her absence.
Marius, who married Oti back in 2014, takes on the role of dependable dad. Oti has spoken highly of his capabilities, stating, "He knows her schedule, he knows her menus. He’s amazing at cooking." Their partnership is built on mutual trust, and she finds comfort knowing their daughter is with someone who mirrors her parenting style. "I don’t even think about having to trust or not trust or worry. I know he’s a capable father," she stated proudly.
Long before this moment, Oti had received numerous offers from I’m A Celebrity producers, showing their interest over the years. She noted, "It's maybe six years now they've been asking me. I've always said I would do the show because it just seems like fun." The anticipation for this moment has built over the years, leading to her decision to finally accept the call for the 2024 season.
Mabuse shares the excitement of her role with her husband and the rest of her family. She even remarked on how nice it will be to reunite with them after the show, when Marius and their daughter will join her at the end of her jungle challenge. They plan to celebrate this milestone together, embodying their family’s resilience and love for each other. "I think it will be cute at the drawbridge when I see them both there," she added contemplatively.
Oti is also enthusiastic about bringing her flair for entertainment to the camp, expressing her desire to teach dance to her fellow contestants. "I hope I bring the entertainer. I hope we can learn some dances and play games whenever things get quiet," she expressed. Her zest for life and contagious spirit are poised to uplift the camp atmosphere.
Realistically, Oti faces some challenges, particularly the adjustments to being apart from her daughter. But she maintains perspective, acknowledging the support system around her daughter. "My daughter won't even really understand where I am because she's with family and my amazing husband. It's just a couple of days," Oti said, showcasing her reassuring attitude about the separation.
For Oti, this experience is not just about adventure or competition; it holds significant personal meaning as well. She aims to achieve personal goals and demonstrate to her daughter, through her actions, the importance of balance between career and family life. It’s clear Oti is committed to proving to both herself and her daughter how much she can accomplish, all the whiles ensuring her family remains at her core.
So as Oti steps bravely onto the Australian soil, she does so not just for herself or for fame, but with the intention of solidifying her legacy as both an entertainer and as the mother she aspires to be—full of strength, ambition, and love.
