'I can't even begin to describe the pain': Former Strictly star Oti Mabuse reveals her South African niece Tlhogi has died aged 28 and says she feels 'shattered inside'
Oti Mabuse has admitted she feels 'shattered inside' after her niece Tlhogi passed away aged 28, from causes which are currently unknown.
The Dancing On Ice judge, 31, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a collection of photos together, while calling her late relative her 'best friend' and 'sister'.Tlhogi was believed to be living in South Africa at the time of her death and Oti had paid a surprise visit to her family - including her niece - over Christmas.
'I can't even begin to describe the pain': Oti Mabuse has admitted she feels 'shattered inside' after her niece Tlhogi passed away aged 28, from causes which are currently unknown
She wrote: 'How is this the last time I would hold you in my arms. I am so shattered inside I can't even begin to describe the pain.
'This is not how this was supposed to go. We had plans together, travel the world and dance on a beach in Jamaica for my birthday.
'I used to fetch you everyday from crèche, swimming, chess since we were 8. You were only 28 yet the kindest, sweetest human being in my life!'I've lost my niece, my little sister, my best friend ☹️ Life dealt you the harshest card but you always chose to win, you always fought to come out the other side above it all with a smile on your face.
'I love you much with all my heart and now you're gone and I feel lost in more ways than one to a pain I've never felt before.
Tragic: The Dancing On Ice judge, 31, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a collection of photos together, while calling her late relative her 'best friend' and 'sister'
Heartbreaking: She wrote: 'How is this the last time I would hold you in my arms. I am so shattered inside I can't even begin to describe the pain'
'I'm still calling you and texting you trying to understand - how? Why? May you rest in peace and power. My sweet Tlhogi, say hi to Koko, Abuti Neo Le Malume Tshepo.
'I promise to take care of Sesi, Nanikie and Mpho for you x.'
Her celebrity friend rushed to the comments section, with Michelle Visage writing: 'I'm so sorry my love,' and Laura Whitmore adding: 'Thinking of you ❤️.'
Dianne Buswell penned: 'I’m sorry for your loss oti xxxxx sending lots of love,' while former Strictly judge Shirley Ballas and pro Giovani Pernice inserted crying emojis.
Upsetting: 'This is not how this was supposed to go. We had plans together, travel the world and dance on a beach in Jamaica for my birthday'
Moving: In her caption, she wrote wrote emotionally about her 'sweetest' relative
Sophie Habboo chimed in: 'I’m so sorry Oti, sending all of my love ❤️❤️.'
Alexandra Burke commented: 'Sending you love my darling I’m so sorry for your loss xxx.'
Karen Hauer said: 'Love you . Sending all the love to you and your family.'
Oti saw her niece for the last time when she sprung a Christmas surprise on her family and jetted home for the first time in four years.
The TV star surprised her parents Dudu and Peter and extended family by secretly travelling home to South Africa for Christmas without telling them.
The professional dancer shared a video of herself sat in Heathrow Airport as she waited to board her flight.
Heartwarming: Oti saw her niece for the last time when she sprung a Christmas surprise on her family and jetted home for the first time in four years
She said: 'I'm on my way home. I haven't been home in four years. I haven't seen my mum in four years, haven't seen my dad in four. She doesn't know I'm coming home.'
The camera then followed Oti on her drive from the airport to her mother's home where she was seen reuniting with her and several other family members.
Alongside the clip, Oti said her mother was 'speechless' when she walked in the door after the pair hadn't seen each other during the flesh amid the coronavirus pandemic.
She said: 'FINALLY AFTER YEARS I WAS ABLE TO GO HOME TO SOUTH AFRICA.
Reunion: The TV star surprised her parents Dudu and Peter and extended family by secretly travelling home to South Africa for Christmas without telling them
'Decided to surprise my family and not tell them I'm coming home just to see their expressions, mom was speechless (touched me all to see if I was real, dad couldn't stop smiling and my god mother cried her eyes off)
'To say I was emotional is an absolute understatement I have been waiting 3-4 years to hold my moms, dad, sister, nieces and nephews in my arms and just spend time with them NOT through a screen ❤️
'I rarely share family events but this felt really special to me and I know so many others are in my position and were buzzing when RSA was taken off of the red list.
'Covid has really taught me how much family is above all and should never be taken for granted ❤️ Please excuse the coming photo dumps that will be flying your way.'
So sweet: The professional dancer shared a video of herself sat in Heathrow Airport as she waited to board her flight
Surprise: The camera followed Oti on her drive from the airport to her mother's home where she was seen reuniting with her and several other family members
Support: Her celebrity friend rushed to the comments section, with Michelle Visage writing: 'I'm so sorry my love,' and Laura Whitmore adding: 'Thinking of you ❤️'
It follows reports that Oti will be replaced on Strictly Come Dancing by Polish professional Jowita Przystal.
Oti wants to pursue other TV opportunities having established herself as a talent show judge with roles on ITV's The Masked Dancer and the current series of Dancing On Ice.
And now it has been claimed that Jowita, 27, - who only joined the team of dancers last year but wasn't partnered with a celebrity in the last series - will fill her shoes.
The professional dancer took to Instagram on Tuesday where she confirmed she wouldn't be returning to the BBC One programme this autumn. 
Rumours: It follows reports that Oti will be replaced on Strictly Come Dancing by Polish professional Jowita Przystal (pictured)
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