When Motsi Mabuse stepped onto the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel in 2019, she brought more than just a dance background—she brought a story that starts far from the BBC studios. Born in South Africa and trained in Latin and ballroom, she swapped a law degree for a life on the dance floor.

Full Name: Motshegetsi “Motsi” Mabuse · Date of Birth: 11 April 1981 · Nationality: South African · Occupation: Dancer, TV judge, presenter · Known For: Strictly Come Dancing judge · Sister: Oti Mabuse

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

The table below condenses the key biographical data available from multiple sources, offering a clear reference point before we dig into the details.

Attribute Value
Full Name Motshegetsi “Motsi” Mabuse
Date of Birth 11 April 1981
Place of Birth Pretoria, South Africa
Nationality South African
Occupation Dancer, television presenter, judge
Years Active 2000–present
Spouse Marius Lepure (m. 2017)
Children 1 daughter
Known For Strictly Come Dancing (judge)
Notable Relatives Oti Mabuse (sister)

How did Motsi lose so much weight?

Motsi Mabuse has never publicly detailed a specific weight loss diet or medical plan. In early 2025, she addressed speculation on social media, stating she feels healthy and happy—without confirming any particular method. WalesOnline reported that her transformation followed “exercise and a diet overhaul,” while a The Sun article claimed she shut down “fat jab” speculation after a reported two-stone loss. Another low-confidence source, ZNaki.fm (entertainment platform), mentions a 10‑kilogram loss over three months at the end of 2022, though the figure is unverified.

The upshot

Motsi’s weight change has attracted intense public curiosity, but the dancer herself has offered only general statements about wellness. Fans looking for a specific regimen will not find one confirmed by Motsi—only speculation from the tabloid press.

Has Motsi lost weight recently?

  • According to The Sun, she showed off an approximately two-stone new look in early 2025.
  • A YouTube (video platform) item suggests she opened up about a 15‑kilogram journey, but the source is low-confidence.

The implication: no single consistent story emerges across outlets. The range of reported losses (10 kg, 15 kg, two stone) points to conflicting claims rather than a verified timeline.

What methods did Motsi use for weight loss?

Motsi has not publicly endorsed any diet, supplement, or surgery. Her active dance career—she continues to perform and teach—provides a natural athletic baseline. Donaheys notes her professional Latin training, which demands high cardiovascular fitness. No evidence supports the use of extreme diets or medical procedures.

Bottom line: Motsi Mabuse has not disclosed a specific weight loss plan. Fans: rely on her active lifestyle as the only method she’s ever confirmed. Tabloids: treat all reported numbers as unverified.

The implication: without official confirmation, all reported numbers remain unverified speculation.

How many children has Motsi Mabuse?

Motsi Mabuse has one daughter, born in 2018. She has not publicly shared the child’s name. The family lives in Germany with her husband, Marius Lepure. The family’s privacy is consistent with Motsi’s general approach: she shares career milestones but keeps her daughter out of the spotlight.

The takeaway: only one confirmed child. Reports of a larger family are unfounded.

How much does Motsi Mabuse earn on Strictly?

Exact salary figures are not officially disclosed by the BBC. Industry estimates suggest judge salaries range between £100,000 and £200,000 per series, but no specific number for Motsi has been confirmed. Her fellow judges Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood are subject to the same confidentiality.

Why this matters

The lack of official data means any “net worth” or “salary” figure claimed online is speculative. Readers should treat such numbers as estimates, not facts.

How much do BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars get paid?

  • Professional dancer salaries are also undisclosed. Reports in tabloids vary widely.
  • Senior judges are believed to earn more than professionals, but the BBC does not comment on individual contracts.

The catch: without official disclosure, every published figure is a rumour—useful for conversation, useless for decision-making.

What is the relationship between Oti and Motsi Mabuse?

Oti Mabuse is Motsi’s younger sister. Both are professional dancers and former Latin dance champions. Oti was a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing; Motsi joined as a judge in 2019. They have appeared together on television and publicly support each other’s careers. Their close bond is well-documented: Wikipedia notes Oti as a notable relative, and both sisters have spoken about growing up dancing in South Africa.

Are Oti and Motsi Mabuse sisters?

  • Yes, Oti is Motsi’s younger sister—confirmed by both Wikipedia and multiple entertainment profiles.

Do Oti and Motsi work together?

  • They have not been paired as judge-professional on the same series, but they have appeared together in interviews and charity events.

What this means: the Mabuse sisters represent a unique sibling duo in British television, each carving a distinct lane but sharing a dance heritage.

Who is Marius Lepure?

Marius Lepure is a Romanian dancer and choreographer. He married Motsi Mabuse in 2017 after they met while dancing together on the German show Let’s Dance. He is the father of Motsi’s daughter. They reside in Germany. His own career includes professional dance appearances across Europe.

How did Motsi Mabuse meet Marius Lepure?

  • They met as dance partners on Let’s Dance (the German version of Strictly).

Is Marius Lepure still married to Motsi?

  • Yes, they remain married as of 2025.

The pattern: Motsi’s personal life is stable and deliberately private. The public knows little beyond the basics because she chooses it that way.

Quotes from Motsi Mabuse and those close to her

“I feel happy and healthy – that’s all that matters to me.”

– Motsi Mabuse, addressing weight loss speculation in a social media post (as reported by WalesOnline)

“Motsi brings such energy and expertise to the panel. She’s a natural.”

– Oti Mabuse, in an interview discussing her sister’s role on Strictly (attributed via BBC)

“We are thrilled to welcome Motsi Mabuse to the Strictly judging panel.”

– BBC official statement, announcing Motsi as the new judge in 2019

For South African viewers and German residents alike, the Mabuse story is one of cross‑border success and discretion. The choice facing the public is simple: accept what Motsi willingly shares—her dancing, her judging, her family milestones—or chase unconfirmed rumour. For the BBC, the implication is clear: keep the panel authentic, or risk losing the credibility that Motsi’s grounded background brings.

For similar in-depth profiles, read about Bev Turner: Age, GB News, Partner & Career Facts and Ellie Brennan, BBC Radio 2 Presenter: Bio & Career.

For those interested in the specifics behind her transformation, a detailed look at natural methods for menopause offers further insight into her approach.

Frequently asked questions

Is Motsi Mabuse a trained lawyer?

She studied law at the University of Pretoria but did not complete a law degree; she left to pursue professional dancing. (Strictly Come Dancing Wiki (fan community))

How long has Motsi been dancing?

She began dancing at age 8 and has been active professionally since around 2000.

What dance titles has Motsi Mabuse won?

She is a multiple South African Latin champion and a three-time German champion.

Does Motsi Mabuse have any health issues?

She has not publicly reported any ongoing health issues. Weight loss speculation has not been linked to medical conditions.

Where does Motsi Mabuse live?

She lives in Germany with her husband and daughter.

What is Motsi Mabuse’s net worth?

No verified figure exists. Estimates vary widely and are not based on disclosed financial records.

How did Motsi Mabuse meet Oti Mabuse?

They are sisters by birth, raised together in South Africa.