'Always a special place in my heart' Oti Mabuse shares an emotional farewell to co-star

express.co.uk:

Strictly Come Dancing's Oti Mabuse has taken to Instagram to pen an emotional farewell to one of her Strictly co-stars, Graziano di Prima.The dance professional, 31, spoke affectionately of their bond, a week after she confirmed that she was leaving the popular BBC show after seven years as a dancer.Oti's goodbye comes as Graziano reposted a message from a fan account.It told their 1,400 followers: "Walked upstairs to a tearful Katie!"The Alexa was on playing this song..." it read, as Celine Dion's hit, It's All Coming Back To Me, played.It continued: "When I spoke to her and asked what's wrong she said I will never see my Graziano and Oti dance together again!"Graziano shared the post in view of his 158,0000 followers, adding: "Awww @otimabuse."Responding to the post that had been shared by the Italian dance pro, Oti wrote: "You'll always have a very special unique place in my heart."Literally my best friend," she ended her comment.Oti's comment comes as she confirmed that she's leaving Strictly after seven years on the programme.Breaking the news to her 640,000 followers last week, she wrote: "Never easy to say goodbye."Lifting the glitter ball twice and having the best journey with all my celebrities, but also meeting and working with the best team, crew, producers, celebs and incredible professional dancers!" she exclaimed."You are my family and I adore you all forever."Oti went on to thank the BBC and revealed that she now "calls the UK home" following her nearly decade-long stint on the show.She signed off her farewell post: "I will always Keeeep Dancing!

and I will never forget my amazing Strictly experience!"Following her announcement, Graziano fired off an emotional tribute that had Oti welling up all over again.