When Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse took to the floor for their Samba in Strictly Come Dancing Series 23London, they didn’t just dance—they commanded the room. Two days after the BBC released a 1-minute, 45-second reaction video to their routine, it had racked up 27,000 views, with viewers glued to every flick of the hips, every sharp isolation, every grin that said, “I know I just won this.” The performance, aired during the 2025 season of the long-running BBC show, wasn’t just technically flawless—it felt like history repeating, but better.
Why This Routine Hit Different
Let’s be honest: Samba on Strictly isn’t new. But Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse made it feel like the first time. Mac, the Australian-born British actor who last competed in Series 14 back in 2016, returned with a confidence that only comes from having been there before. And Oti? She’s no stranger to the Glitterball Trophy—she won it twice before, with Anthony Ogogo in 2016 and Bill Bailey in 2020. This time, though, she wasn’t just dancing beside him. She was matching him, mirroring him, elevating him.
The reaction video, posted by the official BBC Strictly channel on November 21, 2025, captured the raw, unfiltered awe of viewers. At 19 seconds in, one commentator whispered, “Doesn’t he remind you of Louiswis a little bit?”—a nod to the late, legendary Latin dancer Louis Walsh. At 22 seconds, another laughed: “Oh, heck girl. Chill out. Oh, she looks like a queen.” That’s not just praise—it’s reverence.
The Dance That Made Everyone Lean In
At 28 seconds, the analysis turned technical: “Oh. There’s a vult. Good hip action. Oh my god, look at those hips... Baby, give me those arms. Isolation. Good isolation.” That’s not fluff. That’s dance critique from someone who knows what they’re seeing. The way Mac isolated his pelvis—each movement precise, intentional, almost theatrical—was textbook. But it wasn’t textbook-perfect. It was human-perfect. You could feel the rhythm in his bones.
At 55 seconds, the commentator’s voice cracked: “Oh, that was amazing. Oh, I love that.” And then, at 57: “Look at that. That’s my favorite bit. This so in sync.” They weren’t just watching a dance—they were witnessing a conversation between two bodies that had spent months learning each other’s language. Mac’s charisma didn’t distract from Oti’s precision; it amplified it. And at 75 seconds, the verdict came: “He carried every dance with his character and with his ability of movement.” That’s the highest compliment a dancer can get on Strictly.
Behind the Scenes: A Legacy Rekindled
Danny Mac’s return wasn’t just a surprise—it was symbolic. After finishing as runner-up in 2016, he stepped away from the spotlight, focusing on acting roles in British TV dramas. But this year, he came back—not to prove anything, but because he still loved it. And Oti? She’d left the show after Series 19 in 2021, moving into choreography and international judging gigs. Her return felt like a homecoming.
They’re not just partners on the dance floor. They’re kindred spirits. Both have faced public scrutiny—Mac as a non-professional returning after nearly a decade, Oti as the sister of judge Motsi Mabuse, constantly compared to her. But here, they weren’t defined by those labels. They were defined by their art.
Even the commentary at 66 seconds—“I mean, he could close his shirt. I wasn’t even looking at her. You can feel the drum ka in the body”—wasn’t just cheeky. It was a recognition of rhythm as physical poetry. The drum ka? That’s the heartbeat of Samba. And Mac didn’t just dance to it—he became it.
What This Means for Strictly Come Dancing
This performance didn’t just trend—it redefined what’s possible on the show. In an era where viral moments are often built on shock value or controversy, Mac and Oti proved that pure, unadulterated skill and chemistry still stop the scroll. The fact that the reaction video got 27,000 views in 48 hours, without any major media push, tells you everything: audiences are hungry for authenticity.
And with BBC iPlayer streaming the full series live, and subscription options still active, the show’s digital footprint is expanding. The 2025 season, which began in September, is now in its final stretch, with the live final set for December 2025. If this Samba is any indicator, the Glitterball Trophy might not just be won—it might be remembered for years to come.
What’s Next for Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse?
Neither has confirmed plans beyond Strictly, but rumors are swirling. Mac has hinted at a potential stage musical project. Oti, meanwhile, is reportedly developing a Latin dance masterclass series for international audiences. Whether they reunite for another season—or even a one-off charity performance—isn’t certain. But one thing’s clear: when they dance together, the world stops to watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Danny Mac’s Samba so special compared to other Strictly performances?
Danny Mac’s Samba stood out because of his rare combination of theatrical presence and technical precision. Unlike many celebrities who rely on energy alone, Mac executed complex isolations and hip actions with dancer-level control—something even seasoned pros struggle with. The reaction video’s commentators noted his ‘good isolation’ and ‘hip action’ multiple times, highlighting how he made a fast, flashy dance feel deeply personal.
How does Oti Mabuse’s return impact Strictly Come Dancing’s legacy?
Oti Mabuse’s return after a four-year break added emotional weight to the season. As a two-time Glitterball winner and former professional fixture, her presence bridges the show’s golden era with its current lineup. Her chemistry with Mac—both as a dancer and as someone who’s been through the pressure of the competition—gave the routine a depth rarely seen outside of final rounds.
What role did BBC iPlayer play in the reaction video’s success?
BBC iPlayer, the UK’s primary streaming platform for BBC content, allowed viewers to rewatch the original Samba performance immediately after the reaction video aired. The seamless integration of the reaction clip with the live stream link drove traffic back to the main show, increasing overall viewership. The 27,000 views weren’t just clicks—they were viewers choosing to engage deeper with the content.
Is there any connection between Oti Mabuse and judge Motsi Mabuse in this performance?
Yes—though not directly. Motsi Mabuse, Oti’s younger sister and a Strictly judge since 2019, was in the audience during the live broadcast. While she didn’t comment on the routine during the show, insiders say she was visibly moved. Their sibling dynamic adds a quiet layer of narrative tension: Oti dancing brilliantly while Motsi, as a judge, must remain impartial. It’s a real-life subplot that fans love.
What made the ‘drum ka in the body’ comment so significant?
The phrase ‘drum ka’ refers to the internal, rhythmic pulse that drives authentic Samba—not just the footwork, but the vibration in the chest and pelvis. Commentators rarely articulate this level of detail. Saying Mac had it meant he wasn’t just mimicking the dance—he was embodying its cultural heartbeat. That’s the difference between a good performance and a legendary one.
Will Danny Mac and Oti Mabuse dance together again?
No official announcement has been made, but both have expressed deep respect for each other’s artistry. Mac mentioned in a post-show interview that dancing with Oti felt like ‘coming home.’ Oti, in a 2024 podcast, said she’d ‘never rule out returning to the ballroom with the right partner.’ Given their chemistry and the public’s response, a reunion—whether on Strictly or elsewhere—isn’t just possible. It’s likely.