If you’ve ever searched for Motsi Mabuse, you’ve probably seen questions about her weight, her wig, and her salary — but how much of what’s out there is actually true? This article separates fact from speculation using verified sources to answer your most searched questions about the Strictly Come Dancing judge’s personal and professional life.
Full Name: Motshegetsi Mabuse · Born: 11 April 1981 · Nationality: South African · Occupation: Dancer, TV personality, Strictly judge · Siblings: Oti Mabuse (sister) · Children: 1 daughter
Quick snapshot
- Born 11 April 1981 in Pretoria, South Africa (Wikipedia)
- Moved to Germany to pursue dance career (BBC)
- Joined Strictly Come Dancing as a judge in 2019 (BBC)
- Continues as judge on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)
- Also judges on German show Let’s Dance (Wikipedia)
- Likely to expand TV presence internationally (Donaheys)
Nine key facts about Motsi Mabuse, one pattern: her public identity is built on dance, family, and TV, but many personal details remain private.
| Full Name | Motshegetsi Mabuse |
| Birth Date | 11 April 1981 |
| Birth Place | South Africa |
| Current Residence | Germany |
| Occupation | Dancer, TV personality, dance judge |
| Known For | Judge on Strictly Come Dancing (UK) |
| Sister | Oti Mabuse (professional dancer) |
| Spouse | Marius Lepure (also known as Marius Iepure) |
| Children | 1 daughter (name not public) |
How did Motsi lose so much weight?
Recent weight loss speculation
- Motsi Mabuse has not publicly confirmed any specific weight loss method (Znaki (entertainment profile)).
- Public interest stems from her changing appearance over time (BBC (official profile)).
- No verified statements from Motsi or her representatives exist on this topic (BBC (journalism article)).
Known lifestyle and dietary habits
- As a professional dancer, she maintains an active lifestyle (Donaheys (booking agency)).
- No specific diet or fitness program has been attributed to her publicly (Wikipedia).
The weight‑loss figure is sourced from a single low‑tier entertainment site. With no corroboration from Motsi herself or a trusted UK publication, it remains an unverified claim.
The implication: Without an official statement, the weight loss claim remains in the realm of speculation.
How many children has Motsi Mabuse?
Motsi’s daughter
- Motsi Mabuse has one daughter (BBC (official profile)).
- The daughter’s name is not publicly known (Wikipedia).
Family life with husband Marius Lepure
- Motsi is married to Marius Lepure (also spelled Iepure) (BBC).
- Marius Lepure is a professional dancer and choreographer (Wikipedia).
- The family lives in Germany (Wikipedia).
The pattern: The family keeps their private life well-guarded, with only basic details confirmed.
How much does Motsi Mabuse earn on Strictly?
Salary comparisons with other judges
- Exact salary is not publicly disclosed by the BBC (BBC (official profile)).
- Reports estimate judge salaries between £200,000 and £300,000 per series (Donaheys (booking agency)).
- Motsi Mabuse joined Strictly as a judge in 2019 (BBC).
BBC payment disclosure practices
- The BBC publishes salary bands for on‑air talent over £150,000, but individual contracts are not itemised (BBC (journalism article)).
- No official figure for Motsi’s personal salary has appeared in any BBC disclosure (Wikipedia).
Why this matters: Without full transparency, salary estimates from third parties remain speculative. The only concrete fact is that she has been a judge for multiple series since 2019.
What is the relationship between Oti and Motsi Mabuse?
Sister bond and shared dance career
- Oti Mabuse is Motsi’s younger sister (Wikipedia).
- Both are professional dancers from South Africa (BBC).
- Oti competed as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing from 2015 to 2022 (IMDb (artist bio)).
Oti Mabuse’s success on Strictly as a professional dancer
- Oti won the Strictly Glitterball Trophy twice: in 2019 with Kelvin Fletcher and in 2020 with Bill Bailey (Wikipedia).
- Both sisters have spoken about their close bond and shared passion for dance (BBC (journalism article)).
The pattern: The Mabuse sisters are among the most recognisable dance talents in UK television, each carving out a distinct role — Motsi as a judge, Oti as a champion professional — while supporting each other publicly.
Does Motsi wear a wig?
Hair style changes over time
- Motsi has not publicly addressed whether she wears a wig (BBC (official profile)).
- Her hairstyles vary greatly between events, leading to speculation (Donaheys (booking agency)).
Public speculation and lack of confirmation
- No credible source has confirmed or denied the wig theory (Wikipedia).
- Discussion of her hair remains in the realm of social media chatter and fan forums (Znaki (entertainment profile)).
Motsi Mabuse announced she had lost 10 kilograms in three months at the end of 2022.
— Znaki (2025 profile)
Motsi encountered racial barriers in dance as a black dancer in South Africa.
— BBC (2023 article on Motsi and Olga Muller)
For Motsi Mabuse and her family, the path from South Africa to UK television has been extraordinary — but it also means that private details like health, hair, and money often become public curiosity with little factual grounding.
bbc.co.uk, youtube.com, facebook.com, youtube.com, famousbirthdays.com, thesun.co.uk, en.wikipedia.org, tokyodigitalnews.com
Frequently asked questions
How old is Motsi Mabuse?
She was born on 11 April 1981, making her 44 years old as of 2025 (Wikipedia).
Where was Motsi Mabuse born?
She was born in Pretoria, South Africa (BBC).
Is Motsi Mabuse a trained dancer?
Yes, she began dancing at a young age and trained professionally, eventually competing and teaching internationally (BBC).
How did Motsi Mabuse start dancing?
She took ballet lessons as a child and later studied ballroom and Latin dance. According to the BBC, she has been “dancing for most of her life” (BBC).
When did Motsi Mabuse join Strictly as a judge?
She became a judge on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 (BBC).
What other TV shows has Motsi Mabuse been on?
She has been a judge on the German dance competition Let’s Dance since 2019 (Wikipedia).
Does Motsi Mabuse have an Instagram account?
Yes, she is active on Instagram under the handle @motsimabuse (BBC).
What is Motsi Mabuse’s net worth estimated at?
No reliable public estimate exists. Unverified online figures vary widely, but no official disclosure has been made (Wikipedia).
George Harry Howard Bennett is a staff writer for Public Journal UK, specializing in UK news, policy analysis, and public affairs coverage. He works under Editor-in-Chief Margaret Ellison, maintaining high standards of sourcing, verification, and fact-checking. Bennett reports on Westminster, government policy, and societal issues, providing balanced and accurate journalism with timely insight.