Strictly Come Dancing Star Oti Mabuse’s Battle with Sepsis
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse faced a tough time following the birth of her first child in 2023. The 34-year-old professional dancer, who has won Strictly twice, disclosed that she was diagnosed with sepsis after undergoing a 16-hour labor with her daughter, who arrived prematurely two months before her due date. The newborn had to spend six weeks in neonatal intensive care at University College London Hospital due to an infection.
Amidst her daughter’s health challenges, Oti herself was fighting sepsis, a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s immune system reacting excessively to an infection, causing harm to the body’s tissues and organs. Fortunately, both mother and baby eventually recovered fully, thanks to the devoted care of NHS staff. Oti emphasized that she always felt her daughter was in safe hands during the ordeal.
Oti shared, “My sepsis was discovered after the birth — it’s not something that was missed, so I just want to make that clear, as I’d read it misinterpreted like that a while ago. My daughter had an infection when she came out and the doctors gave her treatment. I didn’t have time to panic — we were just focused on her being better. I always felt she was in safe hands. It was about treating her the best way we could.”
The experience shed light on the fact that anyone, including newborns and mothers post-birth, can develop sepsis following an infection. Recognizing the symptoms of sepsis is crucial as they can often mimic other conditions such as flu or chest infections. According to the NHS, individuals should seek immediate medical attention if they observe signs like confusion, pale or blotchy skin, difficulty breathing, or a non-fading rash.
Despite the challenging times, Oti continues to showcase her talents and passion for dance. Recently, she was seen participating in rehearsals for the upcoming Strictly show, offering her choreography expertise. Additionally, rumors suggest that she might make an appearance on the next season of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! scheduled to be aired later this year. While Oti has faced hurdles, her resilience and dedication to her craft shine through, inspiring many with her story of overcoming adversity in the face of health crises.
The support of the NHS played a pivotal role in Oti Mabuse’s journey to recovery, highlighting the indispensable role of healthcare professionals in safeguarding the well-being of individuals and families during challenging times.