I’m A Celeb contestant Oti Mabuse has candidly disclosed her frightening health scare following the premature birth of her daughter just before Christmas in 2023, admitting it made her ‘grow up’. The former Strictly dancer and her partner Marius Iepure were rushed into an early parenthood journey as their baby arrived at 31 weeks, leading to eight weeks of daily hospital visits.
Not long after, their baby battled sepsis, and Oti herself faced gestational diabetes, which she has since managed to reverse through changes in her diet.
Relating her experiences to The Times, Oti confessed: “I think I had to grow up, though, if I’m being brutally honest.”
When comparing the challenges of surviving the jungle on I’m A Celeb to motherhood, she said, “Both are very rewarding, but being a mum is tough. It’s tougher than any critters and spiders. It’s 24/7, nonstop, entertaining.”
Oti made it to the I’m A Celeb semi-final
(Image: PA)
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Oti went on to deal with detractors head-on after they accused her of neglecting her child, who was under one year old, during her stint on the TV show. Responding firmly, she said: “Mum has goals as well,” reports Surrey Live.
She defended her decision by adding: “I knew I was not alone. I know women still want to work and some have to work because they’re lucky enough to have a choice. I was just speaking my truth.”
Additionally, whilst on I’m A Celeb, Oti mentioned the tragic loss of her half-brother Neo, who died by suicide in 1992 when she was only two years old.
The star said the health battle forced her to ‘grow up’
(Image: Adam Gerrard / Daily Mirror)
Oti Mabuse, the South African-born professional dancer who has graced Strictly Come Dancing for seven series, lavished praise on McFly singer Danny Jones, hailing him for his openness about mental health issues: “I think it’s really good that you keep saying people must talk, especially young boys.”
She emphasised the significance of dialogue to address the alarming suicide rates among young men: “I don’t think young boys tend to talk that much and the suicide rate is so high in young men especially, so I think it’s important that you keep telling people to talk about it.”
The 34 year old is renowned for her two-time triumphs on the show, securing the glitterball trophy alongside Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher and comedian Bill Bailey.