Oti Mabuse, the renowned Dancing On Ice judge, recently shared the intimate details of her proposal by husband Marius Lepure, revealing the one thing that didn’t quite go according to plan during the special moment.
In an appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, Oti opened up about the nerve-wracking experience back in 2014, when Marius, then 41, popped the question in a somewhat unconventional way.
An Unconventional Proposal That Ended in a Beautiful Moment
On that unforgettable evening, Marius took Oti to see the movie Planet of the Apes, despite it not being her cup of tea.
“He was really nervous,” Oti explained with a smile, recalling how they then went to the Hard Rock Cafe for dinner, where metal rock music was playing—again, not exactly Oti’s vibe.
But as the day came to a close, Marius made a sweet, spontaneous gesture.
“We went to the hotel, and I was about to go to bed when he said, ‘Wait, before the day ends, will you marry me?’” Oti laughed, adding, “Minus the monkeys, it was very nice!” Despite the unexpected start to the evening, the proposal was a moment she would never forget.
Oti Opens Up About Parenthood and Her Journey as a New Mom
In November 2023, Oti and Marius became parents to a beautiful daughter, though the journey was not without its challenges.
Their newborn daughter arrived prematurely with an infection and spent six weeks in intensive care.
Reflecting on this emotional time, Oti shared how the experience had been life-changing for both of them.
“On Christmas Eve, I shared photos of her and our extended family, and said she’s our ‘greatest joy.’”
Oti also candidly discussed her health struggles, including being diagnosed with gestational diabetes and later developing sepsis after childbirth.
Despite the challenges, Oti couldn’t help but gush about motherhood.
“She’s one now and full of attitude! She doesn’t like being told what to do.
She tells us what to do,” Oti laughed. “We haven’t slept much in a year. She wakes up in the middle of the night and just starts dancing!”
Hoping Her Daughter Explores the World Beyond Dance
When asked if she would like her daughter to follow in her footsteps and become a dancer, Oti admitted that while she would support whatever path her daughter chose, she hoped she’d explore other interests. “I’d love for her to try something different—maybe an astronaut!” Oti explained. “Dancing has brought me so much, but I want her to have the freedom to explore other things.”
Oti Shares Insights on Being a Dancing on Ice Judge and Her Upcoming Tour
In addition to her personal life, Oti spoke about her role as a judge on Dancing on Ice and what it’s like critiquing the contestants.
“I try to stay positive, but when the red light comes on, it just comes out of me,” Oti said with a grin.
She admitted that while she was there to help the contestants improve, it was also a lot of fun.
“I have the best time sitting next to Jayne Torvill and Chris Dean, who are the best in the business, and Ashley Banjo, who is amazing.”
When Jonathan Ross asked her who she thought might win the competition, Oti was quick to highlight some standout performers. “Michaela Strachan is brilliant.
She’s really doing it for the ladies,” Oti said, adding that Anton Ferdinand’s strength and athleticism were also impressive.
She also mentioned The Only Way is Essex star Dan Edgar, saying, “Everybody loves his face, and people love the way he skates and looks.”
The Challenge for Dancers Competing on the Ice
Oti also addressed the challenges that dancers with prior experience face when transitioning to the ice. “It’s tougher for stars with dance backgrounds,” she said.
“On the ice, you have to bend your knees and flex your feet, which is the complete opposite of what you’re taught as a dancer.
Sometimes having a dance background can actually be a disadvantage because people scrutinize you more and expect more from you.”
A Glimpse Into Oti’s Upcoming Dance Show
Looking ahead, Oti spoke about her upcoming tour, Viva Carnival.
“It’s about all the carnivals that are really special to me,” she said.
The show will celebrate the vibrant cultures of the Brazil, Argentina, and African carnivals, as well as Glastonbury.
Oti expressed that the desire to travel and experience new cultures inspired the concept behind the show.
The full conversation with Oti Mabuse can be seen on The Jonathan Ross Show, airing Saturday at 21:35 on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player.
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