Motsi Mabuse’s inspiring response to being told she wasn’t pretty growing up

It’s the most wonderful time of the year – especially if you’re Motsi Mabuse. Our favourite Strictly Come Dancing judge is excited about the show’s grand finale, which will be followed by her first family Christmas in London and an extra-special present – the birth of sister Oti’s baby.

“The whole family is really excited because the last baby we had is five already,” smiles Motsi. “My family loves family… We’re really excited about the baby.”

Motsi and her Ukrainian husband Evgenij Voznyuk live in Germany with their five-year-old daughter, but this year the whole Mabuse clan will be in London because of the new arrival.

“We will be spending our first Christmas in London – the whole family is coming,” says Motsi, 42, who is planning to fill the holidays with festive fun for the children. “We have a big tree. We want to make it as magical as possible.”

Motsi’s daughter – whose name she keeps private – is the centre of her world. But while she loves being part of a big brood herself, Motsi feels blessed to have her own happy family of three.

“Only God knows,” says Motsi, suddenly serious when asked if she wants more children. “We are happy that we have the three of us. We are a tiny, close-knit family.

“Every day with our daughter feels like a gift and we are so in love with each other.”

Before Motsi can get the tinsel out, she’s got one last show to do, the Strictly Come Dancing final, where the public choose the winner. So does Motsi mind handing control over to the viewers?

“People have an opinion and that opinion is legitimate,” insists Motsi. “They’ve been through this whole journey with people they love so it’s OK to hand it over to them.

“It’s been a great season because of all the different personalities.”

Stars such as Ellie Leach, Layton Williams and Angela Scanlon have brought amazing energy to the dance floor, all winning 10s from Motsi and her fellow judges Craig Revel-Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke. And Motsi has been moved by the stars’ commitment.

“It feels genuine,” she says. “It feels like they really, really want to be part of Strictly.”

Strictly: Motsi tells Craig ‘sometimes less is more’

It’s been five years since Motsi joined the Strictly panel – before that she was on the German version of the show.

Prior to a TV career, she won numerous trophies and titles for her dancing, but it took Motsi a long time to shake off the memories of growing up under apartheid in South Africa.

Heartbreakingly, she was told she wasn’t beautiful growing up. “I used to stare at my pictures because I couldn’t believe it was me,” shares Motsi, reflecting on fame.

“When you grow up in South Africa, you’re told you’re not pretty, especially if you have dark skin.”

These days, Motsi loves experimenting with fashion and her hair and make-up. Through that self-expression she inspires other women of colour.

“It’s just a load of fun because what I’m doing is learning to see what looks good on my body, learning to enjoy fashion, reading about fashion… it’s opened a whole different life for me.”

On TV, Motsi deliberately wears African hairstyles to empower young girls looking for representation – but she’s also worn straight hair for the same reason. Youngsters are noticing and they are grateful to have such a positive role model.

“They take time to write to me, to send me notes… they copy my hairstyles,” smiles Motsi.

“I have put on African hairstyles and I’ve shown the diversity of hair, but this year I’ve also worn straight hair to say, ‘You can do whatever you want. You are not supposed to do what people tell you to do. You have a choice.’”

Motsi’s message is clear. “Be strong in choosing whatever you want to choose,” she says.

In many cultures, women aren’t allowed to express themselves in fashion and Motsi wants to make sure that those who have autonomy and choice celebrate it. It’s a powerful message in a world where many females are still not afforded equality.

“Celebrating that we have a choice is huge because if you look around the world, not a lot of girls have a lot of choices,” says Motsi.

“You see what is happening around us in the world. I want us to celebrate us deciding what we want to do with our bodies and what we want to look like. It’s a privilege.”

Championing women is so important to Motsi. As a mum, she feels her main job is to instil confidence and self-belief in her daughter.

“It might be overloading telling her I love her, telling her how special she is, but I know what the world is and I’m hoping my voice will stay when all the other influences come in life.”

Strong women helped Motsi get where she is today and Motsi wants to use her power to lift others up.

Asked if she’s a feminist, she replies: “I am, it’s my passion. I have always found a safe space within women. There will always be a girl on my side. It’s a woman who said, ‘OK, let’s put her on Strictly.’”

With women like Motsi, the future feels full of promise. Motsi smiles, “I always feel I want to help. We need to protect the girls.”

Strictly Come Dancing: The Final is on BBC One on December 16.

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