Simon & Schuster sign two books from dancer Oti Mabuse in 'major romance deal'

Simon & Schuster has signed broadcaster and dancer Oti Mabuse in a "major romance deal" for two books. 

Sara-Jade Virtue, brand development director, adult fiction, acquired world all language rights from Lauren Gardner at Bell Lomax Moreton in conjunction with Alex Fisher at M&C Saatchi Talent. Slow Burn, the first book in the deal, will be published in September 2025. 

Mabuse is the only professional on "Strictly Come Dancing" to win the competition twice concurrently before leaving to become a judge on "Dancing on Ice". 

Virtue said: "It is no exaggeration to say that bringing love stories created by Oti to the Romance space is an absolute career highlight. By being her authentic true self on our television screens every week—a strong, relatable, smart, funny, passionate and inspirational woman—she won the hearts of the nation, including mine. Slow Burn is the perfect debut novel from Oti. It’s spicy, it’s romantic and it has a swoon-worthy happily ever after that is going to blow your socks off! Filled with sexy, Black female characters and hot scenes of sizzling, spicy passion, Oti has created characters that brim with heat and heart. I’m excited for readers to meet Lira and Gabriele both on and off the dancefloor." 

Mabuse added: "I am so excited to be joining Simon & Schuster UK to publish my first adult fiction titles. I’m proud of my career in the dance world and the opportunities that it has brought. To be able to work on these novels has been an absolute pleasure and a dream of mine. Working with Sara-Jade and her innovative, creative and passionate team has been so much fun, and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on these books!"

Slow Burn will be published in hardback, ebook and audio on 11th September 2025. Contact Amy Fletcher, adult rights director, for all rights enquiries.