BBC Strictly Come Dancing star makes 'spicy' career move

Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse has announced some very exciting news away from the BBC dance show - and it's something very different for the star

Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing on Ice sensation, Oti Mabuse, has embarked on an exciting new venture.

Stepping away from the glitz and glamour of the dancefloor, Mabuse has teamed up with publisher Simon & Schuster UK for a "dream" career move, penning her very own book.

The news broke on Friday (October 11), with the professional dancer unveiling her new novel Slow Burn, a fictional romance tale inspired by the world of dance.

Read more: Strictly star 'falling apart'

Mabuse took to Instagram to share the thrilling news with her followers, even giving them a sneak peek at the book's cover.

"I'm so excited to finally be able to share the news that I have a novel coming out," she expressed. "This has been a dream of mine! ".

"I adore reading fiction romance novels and am thrilled that I've been given the opportunity to write my own."

The dancing star confirmed that Slow Burn is already available for pre-order and will officially hit the shelves on September 11, 2025.

"It's going to be spicy, romantic and full of dance," the former Strictly star teased about the plot.

Sara-Jade Virtue, Simon & Schuster UK's Adult Fiction Brand Development Director, also expressed her enthusiasm for Mabuse's upcoming romance novel.

"It is no exaggeration to say that bringing love stories created by Oti to the Romance space is an absolute career highlight," she gushed. "By being her authentic true self on our TV screens every week a strong, relatable, smart, funny, passionate and inspirational woman - she won the hearts of the nation, including mine."

"Slow Burn is the perfect debut novel from Oti. It's spicy, it's romantic and it has a swoon-worthy HEA (happily ever after) that is going to blow your socks off! ".

"Filled with sexy, Black female characters, and hot scenes of sizzling, spicy passion, Oti has created characters that brim with heat and heart."

Strictly Come Dancing lights up our Saturday nights on BBC One, while its companion show Strictly: It Takes Two keeps the dance floor alive on weeknights on BBC Two. Fans can catch up with both shows on BBC iPlayer.