Oti Mabuse is the favourite to replace Darcey Bussell on Strictly Come Dancing judging panel as fans back her for job

OTI Mabuse is the favourite to replace Darcey Bussell on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel as fans back her for the job.

The 28-year-old pro dancer has become a fan favourite since she joined the show in 2015.

Earlier this year, Oti showed off her judging skills on the first series of the BBC’s The Greatest Dancer, and now Strictly fans want her to swap her ballroom shoes for a judging paddle after Darcey quit the programme yesterday.

The 49-year-old ballerina made the shock announcement she would be leaving Strictly after seven years in a statement on the BBC’s website.

Speculation immediately began about who would replace her, with Oti quickly becoming a top contender among the bookies.

Coral bookmakers currently has former Strictly champion Karen Hardy at 2-1, with Oti at 4-1.

Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead told The Sun Online: “Oti is definitely a contender to replace Darcey on the Strictly panel.

“She proved incredibly popular making the switch to captain on The Greatest Dancer from Strictly pro and we make her just a 4-1 shot to return to the show now as a judge.”

Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “To replace #Darcey in #Strictly, it has to be a lady. She must have experience in dance and tap into the public appetite for it, and be a great TV presence.

“I think Oti should step up, even though she is Latin like Shirley Ballas. Tough decision for the producers…”

Another added: “Forget the months of headlines, JUST PUT OTI MABUSE ON THE JUDGING PANEL #strictly”.

A third agreed, tweeting: “I would love OTI to be a judge on #strictly love her.”

In her statement, Darcey said: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team.

“I have enjoyed every minute of my time and will miss everyone from my fellow judges, the presenters, the dancers, the musicians, the entire back stage team, and especially the viewers of the show, who have been so supportive.

“I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all, I am just stepping away to give more focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years that I can’t imagine having gone any better.

“I know I will miss being part of this unique show and the fact that it celebrates dance is something I am so passionate about. I hope that I may be very lucky to be asked back again one day.”

However The Sun exclusively revealed Darcey had quit after growing sick of Strictly’s sleazy reputation.

The star also wanted a £40,000 pay rise and had become annoyed by flamboyant judge Bruno Tonioli’s theatrics.

Sources say the ballet legend was sick of non-stop stories about romances between pro dancers and celebs such as the snogging scandal involving Seann Walsh and Katya Jones.

Got a story? email digishowbiz@the-sun.co.uk or call us direct on 02077824220.

We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.