Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse, 44, has returned to the hit BBC show. She is looking slimmer and more radiant than ever. The dance star took her seat on the judging panel last month. Fans couldn’t help but notice her incredible transformation.
Instead of shortcuts like weight loss injections or fad diets, Motsi credits her new physique to old-school methods. She focused on clean eating, muscle-building workouts, and lifestyle changes.
“I’ve done an overhaul of my diet. I’m doing weights and building muscle. I’m eating nuts, fruit and salad,” Motsi revealed in an interview with The Sun.
Her approach is practical, yet effective, showing that commitment pays off. And she didn’t stop there.
- Motsi visits the sauna three times a week to lower cortisol levels
- Ice baths help her mental health and recovery
- Weight training keeps her body strong and toned
Fans have praised her discipline, noting that Motsi looks healthier and more confident than ever.
Menopause Sparked Her Motivation
Motsi opened up about how menopause played a big role in motivating her fitness journey. She admitted she wanted to prepare for what lies ahead rather than fear the changes.
“I hate the fact that every podcast or everything I see online about it is based on fearmongering. I’ve never heard anyone say, ‘Don’t worry, it’s not that bad!’” she said.
She even asked fellow judge Shirley Ballas for advice. “Will it be OK?” Motsi asked. Shirley’s response? “No, it’s going to be a ride!”
Motsi explained that understanding this reality pushed her to get fit and strong:
- Overhauling her diet with more plant-based foods and healthy fats
- Building muscle with weight training
- Incorporating mental health practices like ice baths
Her honesty about the challenges of menopause has resonated with fans, many of whom struggle with the same changes.
Keeping the Weight Off Amid a Busy Schedule
Despite her success, Motsi admitted that staying consistent with her healthy habits has been tough. This is especially true with the demands of Strictly Come Dancing.
“It’s causing me anxiety now that Strictly has started again. I did think, ‘How am I going to keep doing this?’” she said.
Touring and live shows mean long days, late nights, and lots of travel. Motsi’s biggest challenge is making her routine fit around the Strictly schedule.
- Early mornings for workouts
- Balanced meals on-the-go
- Mental health routines like sauna and ice baths
Motsi’s transparency about the struggle highlights that even celebrities face real-life challenges when trying to maintain their fitness.
Major Changes to Strictly Come Dancing Judges
This year, Strictly Come Dancing introduced a big twist that impacts not just the contestants, but the judges too.
For years, head judge Shirley Ballas, 65, carried the weight of the deciding vote whenever the judges disagreed. That meant every dance-off decision rested on her shoulders, exposing her to endless online criticism.
Now, the power rotates weekly between Shirley, Motsi, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood. Viewers even get to vote on which judge holds the casting vote each week.
- Shirley no longer makes every split decision
- Rotating vote adds unpredictability for fans
- The change also reduces the pressure and online abuse Shirley faced
Shirley commented on the new system: “For seven years, I have been responsible for one gruelling decision. But that’s about to change.”
Co-host Tess Daly added: “Viewers now choose which judge gets the casting vote each week.”
Why the Change Happened
The decision came from multiple factors. One was clearly to add more drama to the results show, but there was also a human side. Shirley had faced relentless trolling over her past decisions, and producers wanted to ease that burden.
A source told The Mirror:
“A happy by-product of the change will mean that Shirley is subject to less vitriol. The fundamental reason behind the switch-up in the rules is to make the show more exciting. It’s fair to say any move that lessens one judge unfairly facing abuse all the time is welcome too. Especially one as loved as Shirley.”
The rotation system now gives all judges a fair chance to influence outcomes. It gives Shirley the space to enjoy her role without constant pressure.
Strictly Fans React
Fans of Strictly have already noticed Motsi’s transformation and the new judging format. Social media lit up after her first appearance back, with viewers praising her dedication and honesty.
- Many commented on her glowing skin and toned figure
- Others shared their own experiences with menopause and fitness
- Fans welcomed the judging change as a fairer system for Shirley
This year’s Strictly Come Dancing features a new look. There is honest discussion about health. A revamped judging panel adds to the fresh and exciting season.
Motsi’s Tips for Fans
Motsi offered practical advice for anyone looking to follow in her footsteps:
- Prioritize nutrition: Focus on fresh fruit, vegetables, and nuts.
- Strength training matters: Weightlifting helps build muscle and boosts metabolism.
- Take care of mental health: Sauna sessions and ice baths can help reduce stress and improve recovery.
- Be consistent: Even with a busy schedule, small daily habits add up.
- Face challenges head-on: Prepare for life changes like menopause rather than fearing them.
Her message is simple: fitness isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about steady, sustainable choices that make you feel strong, confident, and healthy.
Looking Ahead
Motsi Mabuse’s journey shows that dedication, honesty, and self-care can transform your life. Fans can look forward to her radiant energy back on the Strictly dance floor. She has a renewed sense of balance and strength.
With the show shaking things up for both judges and contestants, this season promises drama, excitement, and inspiration.
Motsi’s transformation isn’t just about weight loss—it’s about reclaiming control, prioritizing health, and preparing for the future. And with her candor and discipline, she’s inspiring a generation of fans to do the same.
