Oti Mabuse Honoured with Freedom of the City of London at Guildhall
Freedom of the City of London Oti Mabuse has been officially recognised today for her remarkable achievements in dance and her work supporting charities, joining a celebrated list of cultural figures to receive this historic accolade.
The acclaimed dancer, broadcaster and presenter attended the ceremony at Guildhall this morning, joined by family and friends.
A career that captured the nation
Best known for winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 and 2020, the 34‑year‑old Latin dance champion has also appeared as a panellist, dance captain and judge on The Greatest Dancer, The Masked Dancer and Dancing on Ice.
She was nominated for the Freedom by the City Corporation’s Policy Chairman, Chris Hayward, and Sheriff‑Elect Keith Bottomley.
Oti Mabuse said:
“I am delighted to have received the Freedom of the City of London for my dance and charitable work, and I am very grateful to Chris Hayward and Keith Bottomley for nominating me.
To be following in the footsteps of legends of the arts and entertainment industry, including Sir Matthew Bourne, Dame Judi Dench, Sir Cameron Mackintosh, Giles Terera, and Strictly’s very own Len Goodman, feels quite remarkable!”
Recognition beyond the dance floor
City of London Policy Chairman Chris Hayward praised Oti’s impact both on and off stage:
Chris Hayward said:
“Having won a clutch of dance titles during her career and a place in our hearts, mostly down to her appearances on the hugely popular ‘Strictly’, I am sure that Oti’s Freedom will be welcomed warmly by her many admirers.
Away from the dance world, her work with UNICEF to raise awareness of the support needed by premature babies and their mothers is highly commendable.”
Sheriff‑Elect Keith Bottomley also highlighted her charitable commitments:
Keith Bottomley said:
“As well as impressing us on the dance floor, Oti Mabuse’s charitable work with women and young people in communities across London, and overseas with UNICEF, deserves our admiration and respect. It has been a pleasure to nominate Oti to be admitted into the Freedom.”
An ancient tradition
The Freedom of the City is one of London’s oldest surviving traditions, dating back to 1237. Originally, it enabled recipients to carry out their trade within the Square Mile.
Today, it is offered by the City of London Corporation as a tribute to outstanding contributions to public life or significant achievements. You can explore more about the tradition on the City of London’s official website which charts its history and process.
Recent high‑profile recipients include choreographer Sir Matthew Bourne, Olympic gold medallist Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Lady Sarra Hoy, and comedian Sir Lenny Henry.
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