BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse supported over 'refreshing' update after feeling 'so sad'

Oti Mabuse has been flooded with messages of support after she admitted to feeling 'so sad'. The dancer and TV star took to social media with her latest candid message as she keeps her fans and followers updated with everything from her career to life as a first-time parent.

Earlier this week, Oti took to social media to reflect on the first 11 months of being a mum after welcoming her first child into the world last October with her husband Marius Lepure.

They announced they had become first-time parents to a daughter on Christmas Day 2023. They took to Instagram with an adorable photo in which they wore matching festive pyjamas as they gazed lovingly at their baby girl alongside their beloved pet dog, Leo.

READ MORE: BBC Strictly Come Dancing couple 'will make final' due to 'magical' clue

Oti, who announced she'll be touring next year with her new show 'Viva Carnival', has now taken to Instagram to share how she'd had a challenging day as she returned to the dance studio while her daughter continued to be settled into nursery.

Captioning a video of herself dancing in an empty rehearsal room, with her posting the clip to the Adele track 'Make You Feel My Love, the former Strictly Come Dancing star admitted: "Okay so today was our first day back! Dancing! In the studio! Feeling the floor, our shoes, each other… and WOW! Not easy at all.

"After a tough morning—baby tears at nursery drop-off really tugged at my heartstrings—and the gloomy weather, I was feeling so down. Then Marius suggested we go dance, and I’ll be honest, I wasn’t feeling it… but guess what? He was right. It wasn’t even about the dancing, but the way it made me feel afterwards!

"Those good hormones kicked in, and I’m so glad I pushed through. Being back in the shoes after time away was a real challenge, and I was definitely questioning how I used to do this! But I’m not a quitter, and I’m ready to take this challenge head on."

Oti added: "Anyone else out there dealing with challenges and needing a little push? Trust me, just take that first step—you’ll feel so much better. And for all of you asking about *Viva Carnival*—YES, the tour is still coming, and I can’t wait to share this journey with you! Let’s keep going, no matter how tough it feels! #VivaCarnivalTour."

And her fans and followers were quick to show their support with their comments. @3girlsnoboys76 said: "It's so refreshing to see a postnatal mum show the hard work that goes into regaining prenatal roles. You are so authentic. Thanks for sharing all the emotions. Baby in nursery is tough! You got this."

@stanton_jasmine commented: "Oti, being a mum will be the most magical role you'll ever do but you deserve to dance and shine as you to. It's ok to feel sad, dance through your sadness." @laurencw.98 wrote: "You’re smashing it queen." @wellnesscoach_julia replied: "So needed to hear that, thank you. You’ve still got it Oti."

@hannah.the.planteater shared: "Girl, you were my favourite strictly dancer! That rumba with Kelvin Fletcher??!!! Madd! You will always be fabulous! Mum life takes us so far from who we were but you’ll get yourself back in the end." @tracy.jacklin posted: "No need to question yourself, you look stunning, be proud." @bumbleberrypark added: "Settling little ones in at nursery and getting back into work is tough (been there twice), take it one day at a time and be kind to yourself, you’re doing amazingly and the cuddles at the end of the day at the best."