Oti Mabuse defended following backlash Loose Women panel debut

Oti Mabuse has been defended after she was hit with backlash following her debut as a panellist on Loose Women.

The beloved dancer, 34, has been a staple on screens for years. She shot to fame on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, before leaving in 2022 to pursue other opportunities.

Since then, it’s fair to say she’s remained booked and busy, and last year, starred in I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

This week though, Oti made her debut on Loose Women as a panellist for the first time – and fans were left divided.

Oti Mabuse on Loose Women

The line-up on Loose Women on Wednesday (April 9) consisted of Denise Welch, Jane Moore and Ruth Langsford. The trio were also joined by panel newbie Oti Mabuse.

It was Oti’s first time as a panelist – but she has appeared as a guest on the ITV show plenty of times.

And while plenty of people were loving Oti’s Loose Women stint – others shared their complaints.

“Currently have 26 official panelists on their books. No offence to Oti Mabuse but is TWENTY SIX not enough not to keep needing guest panelists?” mused one person on X.

Oti Mabuse defended after Loose Women backlash

Someone else added: “That irritating Oti Mabuse doing the rounds again ffs.”

A third chimed in and claimed that Oti is ‘wasted’ on the panel. They wrote: “I think It is such a shame that Oti doesn’t Do dancing anymore. Bit of a waste of her talent just sitting on the Loose women panel.”

However, another viewer then replied and defended Oti: “But she’s aged now and has kids right ? Your priorities change and dancing is Bloody hard work and long hours this is easy compared to that less hours etc.”

It wasn’t all negative for Oti though, as other fans were quick to share their delight at seeing Oti on their telly screens.

“Watching for Denise and Oti,” said one person.

On Instagram, someone else gushed: “She was great! Keep her on for good.”

Oti’s Loose Women co-star Ruth also shared her support. The TV legend re-shared a photo of the panel to her Instagram Story and penned: “Come back soon.”