Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk has officially called 'a wrap' on her 10-year journey with the BBC show, marking the end of an era with an emotional final performance alongside co-star Vito Coppola.
Final Farewell Performance
The 36-year-old dancer, who joined the show in 2016, took to Instagram over the weekend to share clips of her last dance as an official cast member. In the video, Italian pro Vito Coppola presented Luba with flowers as they took a final turn around the floor and delivered their last bows. Alongside the footage, Luba wrote: "And that's a wrap, ladies and gentlemen - it's officially a wrap for me!!! THANK YOU [heart emoji]. Love, Luba."
Departure Announcement
Luba had previously announced her exit from Strictly in March, ahead of the 2026 series, which is set to undergo significant changes including new hosts. In a simple black-and-white Instagram post, she stated: "With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing. I am deeply grateful for the past 10 years on this beautiful show! Thank you for the amazing opportunity and the unforgettable memories. It has truly meant the world to me. Now it’s time for me to follow my dreams beyond the show, and I’m excited for what the future holds. I can’t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I’m really looking forward to it for one last time."
Career Highlights
During her tenure, Luba partnered several celebrities including Manchester actor Adam Thomas and presenter Nick Knowles. She was part of the Strictly Professionals tour in April and May, which included two performances at The Lowry Lyric Theatre in Salford and four at the London Palladium.
Exodus of Dancers
Luba is among several dancers to depart before the next series, which begins in September. Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, and Nadiya Bychkova have also left the show. The BBC has confirmed that new professional dancers will be recruited to replace them. Returning pros from the 2025 series include Kai Widdrington, Alexis Warr, Amy Dowden, Aljaz Skorjanec, Jowita Przystal, Julian Caillon, Dianne Buswell, Katya Jones, Lauren Oakley, Nancy Xu, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Vito Coppola, and Carlos Gu, who won last year's series with former England footballer Karen Carney.
