Exciting news for fans of both dancing and cooking: Oti Mabuse, the esteemed professional from Strictly Come Dancing, has joined the roster of contestants on Celebrity MasterChef 2019. This announcement was made on Wednesday, revealing that the 28-year-old dancer is set to showcase her culinary skills alongside other stars.

Among those sharing the spotlight with Mabuse is Elizabeth Bourgine, the 62-year-old actress renowned for her role in Death In Paradise. Together, these talented women will headline the popular cookery competition, vying for the coveted Celebrity MasterChef title. This accolade is currently held by the former EastEnders actor, John Partridge, adding an extra layer of prestige to the contest.

2019 has already proven to be a whirlwind year for Mabuse. Earlier, she took on a new role as a judge on BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer, joining forces with fellow judges Cheryl and Matthew Morrison. Her transition from the dance floor to the judging panel was met with acclaim from audiences, who were accustomed to her competing for the Strictly crown.

From the cachucha to the cucina!  Strictly Come Dancing professional Oti Mabuse has been confirmed as a contestant on Celebrity MasterChef 2019

With her appearance on Celebrity MasterChef, Mabuse continues to expand her impressive repertoire, captivating fans beyond the world of dance. Her participation promises to bring both flair and competitive spirit to the kitchen, making the upcoming season one to watch.

She was hailed a hit with viewers, who were more used to seeing her on the dance floor competing for the Strictly crown, rather than behind a judging desk.

Oti will return for the second season of the show next year, but has Strictly 2019 to compete in first.

She has been a pro dancer on the series since 2015, where she appeared as the partner of Olympic boxer Anthony Ogogo. The couple were eliminated in Week three, finishing in 14th place.

Dancing into the kitchen: Oti has been a pro dancer on Strictly since 2015

Aimez-vous cuisiner? The pro dancer, 28, was unveiled as one of the celeb participants for the new season on Wednesday, alongside Death In Paradise actress Elizabeth Bourgine, 62 [pictured] 

She was then paired with former-Hollyoaks actor Danny Mac for the show’s 14th season the following year with the couple reaching the final and finishing as runners-up.

In 2017 Oti was partnered with Paralympic sprinter Jonnie Peacock, eliminated in Week nine. Most recently she was paired with England cricketer Graeme Swann for the show’s 2018 run, eliminated in Week 10.  

The full lineup is set to be revealed shortly, but always promises to serve up an eclectic who’s who of entertainment and sport, all jostling for a starring role in the competition.

Jam-packed: Oti has had a busy 2019, also appearing on BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer at the start of the year as a judge, alongside Cheryl and Matthew Morrison

From the cafe to the kitchen: EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt ‘will star on Celebrity Masterchef’ after 34 years of playing cafe boss Ian Beale

Judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace are back to preside over the cooking contenders, tasked with whittling down the 20 celebrity contestants across the six-week series.

Earlier in the year several names were speculated to be taking part on the 2019 edition of the long-running BBC show, with another EastEnders star at the forefront.

Adam Woodyatt – who, for 34 years, has played cafe boss Ian Beale in the British soap – is reported to be involved, as hinted by The Mirror in May.

Reigning champ: Adam is reported to be following in the footsteps of former EastEnders star John Partridge (pictured) who won Celebrity MasterChef last year, according to The Mirror 

Judges: John Torode and Gregg Wallace are back to preside over the cooking contenders, tasked with whittling down the 20 celebrity contestants across the six-week series

Ian has manned Kathy’s Cafe, Beale’s Plaice chippy and a Walford East restaurant during his time on the soap.

In real life, actor Adam also set up Neat Gin, which is a London Dry Gin containing eight botanicals, with his wife Beverley – and so already has experience in the world of food and drink.

The Mirror also claimed I’m A Celeb winner Vicky Pattison, former-Gogglebox star Dom Parker, boxing champ Dillian Whyte, former-footballer Neil ‘Razor’ Ruddock and former-boxing promoter Kellie Maloney are also taking part, although this remains unconfirmed.