Former BBC Strictly star Oti Mabuse announces baby news with sweet family post: 'Life had bigger plans'

Former BBC Strictly star Oti Mabuse announces baby news with sweet family post: 'Life had bigger plans'
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INSTAGRAM/GETTY

Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 11/06/2026

- 10:59

Updated: 11/06/2026

- 11:16

The dancer already has one daughter, born in 2023

Oti Mabuse has revealed she is expecting her second child with husband Marius Iepure.

The 35-year-old former Strictly Come Dancing professional shared the joyful announcement on Instagram this morning, posting family photographs alongside a heartfelt message.



"Plot twist... We thought we had our hands full already, but life had even bigger plans," she wrote. "Baby No. 2 is joining the dance party, and our hearts (and house) are about to get a whole lot fuller."

The South African dancer, who now appears regularly on Loose Women and serves as head judge on Dancing with the Stars Ireland, tied the knot with Romanian dancer Iepure, 43, back in 2014.


The couple already share a daughter who was born in 2023.

The images shared on social media captured an intimate family moment in front of a fireplace, with a celebratory banner reading "Baby Number 2" displayed above them.

In one photograph, Ms Mabuse wore a fitted orange dress that showed off her growing bump, while Mr Iepure gazed adoringly at his wife and gently cradled her belly.

Their young daughter was pictured reaching up towards her mother's bump in a touching gesture.

Oti Mabuse and Marius Iepure

Oti Mabuse and Marius Iepure shared a jokey snap in the sweet post

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INSTAGRAM

The couple also shared a playful snap in which Ms Mabuse jokingly held her husband's stomach, mirroring a pregnancy pose.

The production company behind Dancing with the Stars Ireland, Shinawil, was among those responding to the post, writing: "Hearts whole lot fuller indeed! Congratulations to you all from the SHINAWIL fam."

Mabuse's sister Motsi, who serves as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing, was quick to offer her congratulations, commenting: "We love you, congratulations. The bigger the better."

Oti Mabuse

Oti Mabuse starred as a professional dancer on BBC Strictly from 2015 to 2021

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GETTY

Fellow Strictly professional Gorka Marquez expressed his delight, writing: "AMAZING NEWS GUYS."

Former It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball also sent her well wishes, posting: "Ahhhh gorgeous news you guys. Big love coming atcha."

Karen Hauer, who recently departed Strictly after more than a decade with the show, added her congratulations to the couple.

Love Island winner Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu, who competed on Dancing on Ice during Mabuse's time as a judge, called her "Angel" in her congratulatory message.

Oti Mabuse

Oti Mabuse left BBC Strictly after the 2021 series

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GETTY

Vick Hope, a 2018 Strictly contestant, wrote: "Ahhhhhhhhh amazing news!!!! Lots and lots of love to you all."

The happy news comes after a difficult start to parenthood for the couple, whose daughter arrived ten weeks premature with an infection in November 2023.

The newborn spent six weeks in intensive care at University College London Hospital, while Ms Mabuse herself faced serious health complications, having been diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 28 weeks and later contracting sepsis following the birth.

Despite the traumatic experience, Ms Mabuse has previously spoken openly about her desire to expand her family.

Speaking to the Daily Express in 2025, she said: "I would love to have more children, I've never shied away from that.

"I think it's a matter of time, and obviously, if God allows it. Only God will say no is the right time, but yes, I would love to grow my little family."