Oti Mabuse reveals why she’s joining I’m A Celebrity after becoming a mother

Oti Mabuse is set to take on the adventure of a lifetime by joining the cast of I’m A Celebrity 2024, a decision she made just months after becoming a mother. In a candid interview, she opened up about the emotional challenge of leaving her family behind, especially her young daughter, but shared that motherhood has reignited her desire for adventure.

At 34 years old, the former Strictly Come Dancing star is looking forward to reclaiming a part of herself that she feels has been on hold since welcoming her daughter last November. Oti expressed in her ITV interview that stepping into the jungle is about reconnecting with her adventurous side: “Now that I’ve had my baby daughter, I want to get back to the adventurous and fun Oti.”

Leaving her daughter will undoubtedly be tough, but Oti emphasizes that this separation will motivate her throughout her time in the camp. “Not being able to see my daughter is going to be hard. She is going to be one of my biggest motivators,” she shared.

One perk Oti is especially excited about is the prospect of sleep. After a year filled with motherhood’s demands, she’s ready to catch up on rest while knowing her nurturing instincts will likely surface in the camp. Anticipating her role as the “comfort mum,” she hopes to lend an ear to her fellow contestants’ stories and keep spirits high. Oti also plans to bring some fun to the jungle by showcasing her dance skills. “I hope to teach everyone a few moves. We will create our own talent show in the jungle,” she remarked.

Emphasizing her competitive nature, Oti is eager to dive back into the challenges that come her way, stating, “It’s nice to be determined, ambitious, and competitive when it comes to doing a challenge. It will be about getting the stars.” Supporting her throughout this journey is her husband, Marius, who has been excited about her participation since he first heard the news. The couple celebrated the birth of their daughter, whose name has yet to be revealed, on Christmas Day last year. Born nine weeks early, she spent six weeks in neonatal intensive care.

Oti is no stranger to competition in the spotlight. As the only professional dancer to win Strictly Come Dancing consecutive years, she is ready to draw upon that experience in the camp. Alongside her, the 2024 line-up includes notable names such as McFly’s Danny Jones and Coleen Rooney, with fans speculating that Love Island star Maura Higgins could join as a latecomer.

I’m A Celebrity 2024 kicks off on Sunday, November 17, at 9 PM on ITV1 and ITVX. Are you looking forward to seeing Oti in action? Share your thoughts in the comments!