Motsi Mabuse has firmly established herself as a beloved and influential figure in the world of dance, captivating audiences each week from the Strictly Come Dancing judges' panel. Alongside fellow judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood, she brings a wealth of professional experience and vibrant energy to the hit BBC show.
From South Africa to the Strictly Spotlight
Born on 11th April 1981, Motsi celebrated her 44th birthday in 2025. Her journey began in Pretoria, South Africa, where she initially pursued a law degree at university. However, her passion for dance proved irresistible. She soon left to compete internationally in Latin and ballroom championships, building an impressive global career.
Today, she calls Germany her home, residing in Frankfurt. Before joining the UK's Strictly in 2019 as a replacement for Darcey Bussell, Motsi was a professional dancer and later a judge on the German equivalent, Let's Dance, starting her panel role there in 2011.
A Close-Knit Family Across Continents
Family is central to Motsi's life. She is the eldest of three sisters, with the most famous being her younger sibling, Oti Mabuse. Oti, a former Strictly professional dancer, left the show in 2022 and is now a judge on Dancing on Ice. She is currently a contestant in the I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! 2024 series.
The middle sister, Phemelo Mabuse, remains in South Africa working as a mechanical engineer, but she also shares the family talent, having won several dance titles herself.
Marriage, Motherhood, and a Dance School
Motsi's personal life is shared with her husband, Ukrainian professional dancer Evgenij Voznyuk. The couple first met as dance partners in 2013, winning the German Latin dance contest together. They married in June 2017.
Motsi has described Evgenij as her 'best friend', highlighting their deep bond. He is not only her life partner but also the co-owner and manager of their joint venture, the Motsi Mabuse Dance School in Germany.
Together, they have a young daughter. The couple is fiercely protective of her privacy, choosing to keep her out of the public eye to ensure a normal upbringing away from the showbiz spotlight.
Juggling a high-profile television career, a business, and family requires constant travel. Motsi manages a busy schedule, regularly commuting between her work in London and her family home in Germany, proving her dedication extends far beyond the glittering Strictly ballroom.
