Len Goodman thinks new ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ judge Motsi Mabuse will get "criticism" no matter what she does.
The former head judge – who quit the ballroom and latin show in 2016 – is worried that the brunette beauty will face backlash when the programme returns to screens next month because she’s the sister of professional dancer Oti Mabuse and people will accuse her of being bias.
Speaking to The Sun Online, the 75-year-old dancer said: "That’s going to be the hardest thing for Motsi. Can you imagine if Oti is in the final two in the dance-off?
"Whatever decision she makes Motsi will get criticism. If she puts Oti through then people will say she’s doing her sister a favour. If she votes her off they will say she didn’t want to be seen to be keeping it in the family.
"I’ve been in a similar situation when I’ve had to judge pupils or former pupils in dancing competitions. All you can do is make the decision based on what you see and try to act with integrity. I’m sure Motsi will do that and if that means having to vote Oti off then that’s what she’ll have to do."
The 38-year-old judge will sit on the panel alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Bruno Tonioli after she was chosen as Dame Darcey Bussell’s replacement.
She said: "I am absolutely overjoyed to be joining the ‘Strictly’ judging panel. I have so much respect and admiration for the other three judges and hope to add my own bit of sparkle to the show. I can’t wait to get started!"
Motsi has been a judge on ‘Let’s Dance’ in Germany – having previously appeared in 2007 as a contestant – and she is both a former South African Champion and German Latin Champion in 2009 and 2010 respectively.
Len Goodman thinks Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse will get ‘criticism’
