Strictly's Oti Mabuse Reflects on Her Premature Childbirth Struggle: "I Was Lucky"

Oti Mabuse has recently opened up about her rollercoaster of emotions after giving birth to her daughter eight weeks premature. Yes, the glitter and glam of life in the spotlight can sometimes obscure the very real challenges that come with motherhood! Here’s a woman, a former star of Strictly Come Dancing, who feels fortunate that a premature birth turned out to be a survival story. Yet, she grapples with a dollop of guilt for her little one’s early entrance into the world.

As she recalls the whirlwind of it all — a spontaneous shopping trip that turned into a dramatic birth in the street — it’s clear Oti’s experience was nothing short of cinematic. “I had no clue about what childbirth entailed,” she laughs, shaking her head. But in true Oti fashion, she infuses humor into the intensity, reflecting on milestones that made her realize just how precarious the situation was. “The pregnancy was beautiful... until it wasn’t,” she admits, clearly navigating the tightrope of joyful anticipation and terrifying uncertainty.

Her husband, Marius Lepure, adds a poignant perspective, noting that parenting in his Romanian homeland would have offered far less support than what they received in London. “I’ve seen too many babies who wouldn’t have made it under different circumstances,” he says, his tone heavy with gratitude. Oh, that bittersweet moment when joy collides with the stark reality of life.

Oti expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the incredible nursing team at University College Hospital, emphasizing the extraordinary care they provided. “Those nurses are nothing short of superheroes, dealing with tiny organs and fragile lives.” And while the chaotic first days post-birth felt like a blur, there’s a strength in vulnerability that brightens her narrative.

On Christmas Day 2023, when they finally announced the birth of their unnamed daughter — who had just spent six weeks fighting for her life — Oti reflects on the bittersweet joy of the holiday. “How can something so beautiful, like Christmas, coexist with this darkness?” she recounts, revealing the tears that accompanied her drive home that night. “Motherhood is tough enough without adding the weight of tradition to the mix,” she sighs.

In a wonderfully candid moment, Oti kicks herself for overexerting during her pregnancy, questioning her insatiable need to prove she could still dance and work. “I mean, who was I trying to impress?” she muses, half-chuckling, no doubt realizing that a little downtime wouldn’t have hurt. “If we’re fortunate enough for another baby, I swear I’ll be the poster child for taking it easy.”

Ah, but here's the kicker: Oti is also determined to break the cycle of the strict family dynamic she was raised in — where her father, the stoic breadwinner, was more of a provider than an emotional presence. “I refuse to let my past dictate our present,” Oti asserts, her resolve as strong as her dance moves. “I want my daughter to know she can speak her mind and build healthy boundaries.”

In true Ephron spirit, Oti even tackles the societal pressure to bounce back to pre-pregnancy bodies — discussing the scrutiny that new mothers often face. “I’m on my own ‘Let’s get healthy train’ now, and it didn’t happen overnight!” she laughs, making it abundantly clear that motherhood is not about fitting into a size 10 but about the journey, the learning curve, and yes, even the messiness of it all.

Oti’s journey through fame and motherhood is like a beautifully choreographed dance — a blend of passion, struggle, and joy. Who could forget her record-setting wins on Strictly or her heartfelt reflections about her marriage to Marius? It’s a reminder that amidst the glittering accolades, the personal challenges often remain unspoken, yet they pulse beneath the surface, waiting to be shared. One thing’s for certain: Oti is dancing her way through it all—with grace, humor, and a heart full of love.