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Celebrity

26th Nov 2021

Motsi Mabuse will be missing Strictly this week after close contact call

Ellen Fitzpatrick

Another one.

The Strictly curse seems to be different this year as yet another person will be missing the live shows due to Covid-19.

Judge Motsi Mabuse is the latest to miss an episode after she has been forced to withdraw from Saturday’s episode due to the UK Covid guidelines.

Motsi received the dreaded NHS Test and Trace call and will be replaced on the show by Cynthia Erivo, who stood in for Craig Revel Horwood last week when he tested positive.

A statement from Strictly Come Dancing said: “We can confirm Motsi Mabuse will not be taking part in Strictly Come Dancing this weekend.

“We are delighted that Cynthia Erivo will be joining us as a guest judge again, joining Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke and head judge Shirley Ballas on the judging panel.

“We look forward to having Motsi back with us next weekend.”

Motsi, who is based in Germany, revealed on Instagram that she usually would be exempt from isolation as she is fully vaccinated and has had her booster shot, but as it’s a German vaccine, it isn’t recognised in the UK.

She said: “I must follow UK Government guidance and can only return after 30 November 2021 to UK.

“Our health is the most important thing and luckily I have been tested multiple times this week and am negative.

Award-winning actor and singer Cynthia Erivo will be stepping into Craig’s shoes as she joins Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas.

 

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A post shared by Motsi Mabuse (@motsimabuse)

Speaking ahead of her Strictly appearance, Cynthia said: “I’m so excited to be joining the Strictly judging panel for musicals week.

“Musicals have a unique place in my heart, it’s such a special way of connecting all art and making it one.”

She added: “I’m excited to bring my experience to the show and I can’t wait to see what the couples have in store this weekend.”

“I am healthy, I am with my family, that’s what matters.”

Award-winning actor and singer Cynthia Erivo will be stepping in to replace Motsi, joining Anton Du Beke, Shirley Ballas and Craig after his recovery.

Speaking ahead of her Strictly appearance last week, Cynthia said: “I’m so excited to be joining the Strictly judging panel for musicals week.

“Musicals have a unique place in my heart, it’s such a special way of connecting all art and making it one.”

She added: “I’m excited to bring my experience to the show and I can’t wait to see what the couples have in store this weekend.”