Strictly Come Dancing judge’s verdict: New arrival Motsi is more fun

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood says new judge Motsi Mabuse has helped make the programme feel more fun.

Motsi, 38, replaced long-time judge Dame Darcey Bussell after she left in April.

Craig, 54, said: “I loved Darcey, and she did a stellar job, but Motsi does bring a certain energy, and sometimes its good to shake things up.

“She’s more bouncy. She’s a Latin babe, not a ballet babe.”

He said he also likes the fact that Motsi gives him a hard time, saying: “We don’t necessarily agree, which is good. The only thing we have a problem with is her nails. They’re like talons. She’s nearly scratched my eye out.”

Motsi, the sister of Strictly pro dancer Oti, was a professional and then judge on the German version of the show, before moving to the British programme.

She has been taken back by the ferocity of the British show, saying: “Its incredible how passionate people get about it.

“Here, everyone takes it so seriously. In Germany it’s far more light-hearted.”

Although Motsi and her sister Oti grew up in South Africa, she has lived in Germany for most of her life – and continues to do so with her husband and daughter.

Head judge Shirley Ballas says that Darcey’s departure has meant she now sits between Bruno and Motsi. “I’m squashed between two people who wave their arms around. I might get whacked,” she said.