Oti Mabuse to bounce back with exciting new ITV shows despite her Romeo & Duet being a ratings flop
ITV bosses are already looking at new projects for Oti Mabuse – after confirming her dating show Romeo & Duet won’t be returning for a second series. The Saturday nighter wasn’t a hit, which was particularly galling for its host as it was her first solo presenting gig since quitting Strictly earlier this year. But […]
ITV bosses are already looking at new projects for Oti Mabuse – after confirming her dating show Romeo & Duet won’t be returning for a second series.
The Saturday nighter wasn’t a hit, which was particularly galling for its host as it was her first solo presenting gig since quitting Strictly earlier this year.
But as well as being a judge on Dancing On Ice and the upcoming second series of The Masked Dancer, Oti is someone channel chiefs do not want to lose.
A TV insider said: “The feeling was that it wasn’t a case of Oti not being right for the show, more that the show wasn’t right for Oti.
“So many of our biggest hosts have had to suffer a few bumps in the road at the start of their career, and that’s how this is viewed by execs.
“They’re confident that this isn’t a reflection on Oti in any way and she’s still a figure who is much loved by the public.
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“And although Oti will obviously be disappointed, she is a tough cookie and a pro who knows how tough the business can be.
“She’ll bounce back.”
Romeo & Duet had disappointing viewing figures when it aired this spring and critics were quick to pile in on its unusual format.
It featured singletons trying to woo potential partners by serenading them, with Oti overseeing the fun as a modern day Cilla Black.
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Now bosses are looking at other gigs where she’ll be the solo host.
A spokesman for ITV said: “We have no plans for future series of Romeo & Duet at present.
“But we look forward to working with Oti again on The Masked Dancer later this year and are actively discussing other projects going forward.”
A shrewd move.
If we only gave presenters one shot at hitting the big time we’d have missed out on some of our best-loved stars.
Bizbit
FORMER EastEnders star John Altman is joining the cast of The Mousetrap as it kicks off its 70th anniversary tour in September.
The actor, best known as Nasty Nick in the BBC1 soap, joins ex-Albert Square co-star TODD CARTY, who played Mark Fowler, in the production.
CHESHIRE IN A REAL HOT MESS
HATS off to the Real Housewives of Cheshire, who will be bravely sharing their experience of the menopause for a new TV special.
Confirming my story from May, ITVBe has announced the two-parter will hit our screens in August.
Stars including Lauren Simon, Seema Malthora, Nicole Sealey and Sheena Lynch will be chatting about their coping strategies and confronting the many taboos women face in dealing with “the change”.
They’ll even be launching their own social media campaign called #hotmess.
And if you’re more interested in the Housewives’ glitz and glamour, you can expect a regular series later in the year.
Bizbit
HE is the son of acclaimed actor Timothy Spall and a thespian in his own right but Rafe Spall is no TV snob.
The Salisbury Poisonings star said: “Some actors don’t like reality TV, but I love the escapism of Escape To The Country, Homes Under the Hammer – all that.”
I’LL BE MO LIKE YOU, THEROUX
SCARLETT MOFFATT is ready to take on the giants of the documentary world with her new programme.
The Goggleboxer turned telly personality hosts an upcoming film for Channel 4 about Tourettes.
And she’s set her career sights high.
Chatting on the Life’s A Beach podcast, Scarlett said: “I’ve always wanted to be in between Louis Theroux And Stacey Dooley, because I love them.
“I’ve got a new-found respect for Louis Theroux because it’s hard – interviewing is so hard.
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“I’ve not done it before. I’ve never had to ask anybody an awkward question.
“I try and people-please and be everyone’s friend. So I feel like I’ve learnt loads doing that, but it’s been fun.”