Oti Mabuse says her daughter is her 'greatest joy' as she marks one year since bringing her home from the hospital after premature birth

Oti Mabuse marked the one-year anniversary of bringing her daughter home from the hospital on Monday as she shared a heartfelt post recalling her premature birth.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 34, and her husband Marius Lepure, 41, became parents in November 2023 after their newborn was born prematurely with an infection and spent six weeks in intensive care. 

Sharing several snaps of her adorable daughter and their extended family, Oti said the tot is now their 'greatest joy'.

She wrote: 'One year ago today, we brought our baby girl home from the hospital, and it still feels like a dream. 

'After weeks of incredible care from the midwives at UCLH (thank you doesn’t even cover it), she was finally ready—breathing on her own, eating on her own, and at the right weight.

'I remember that first car ride home, holding my breath the whole way, overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief. The world suddenly felt brighter—Christmas lights twinkling, our family waiting to welcome her, and the darkest days behind us.

'From that day, December 23rd, until forever, she’s been our greatest joy. Today, she’s sassy, hilarious, full of energy, and fills our home with laughter and love.

'This journey has taught us so much about strength, hope, and family. We’re so lucky to have her, and we’ll never stop being grateful for this miracle.'

Oti's older sister and Strictly Come Dancing judge Moti Mabuse commented on the post: 'Our angel she brings so much joy to the family!!! Time flies ❤️❤️❤️❤️we love you sunshine'.

It Takes Two host Fleur East wrote: 'Beautiful - you are all so blessed,' while former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley commented with a simple '❤️'.     

Oti was pre-diabetic and was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at 28 weeks, before also experiencing complications after the birth when she contracted sepsis.

Speaking previously on Loose Women, she said: 'When I fell pregnant I got gestational diabetes and we have diabetes in the family but I didn't really know what happens after you give birth.

'Does it go away? Do you have to keep working? Years ago I would see pictures of models who would have a baby and within three weeks they're back and walking the runway.

'I'm in the bathroom, I'm crying, I probably haven't washed in like three days. How am I going to snap back?'

'It's so difficult and my sister and I talk about this all the time. It's really about being healthy.'

She revealed: 'My reason for getting back into fitness was that I found out I was pre-diabetic actually.'

Shocked, Loose Women panellist Charlene White quipped: 'Really?' to which Oti responded: 'Yeah I am still pre-diabetic and it's about trying to get back to a point where I feel strong, I can handle my food, my sugar levels are right.'

Oti gave birth naturally and said she was 'singing Chicago the whole time,' with the problems arising afterwards.

She explained: 'Once I gave birth to her it became more traumatic, I had sepsis and I didn’t know. I had all these things, I had the diabetes, I had pelvic pain so turning and getting up and walking was very painful.

'Then I found out that I had sepsis. It was one thing over the other. We spent 10 minutes together and she was taken away with my husband and the doctors.

'She was in the incubator and that was the first time we actually saw her. She was covered up and she had all these machines and wires and everything covering her face....

'This premature world only comes to light when you’re going through it.... It was a really, really scary time.'