Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk has shared her surprisingly solitary plans for the festive season, revealing she will be spending Christmas Day entirely on her own. The 36-year-old dancer made the admission during an appearance on ITV's Loose Women on Monday.
A Solo Celebration
Appearing alongside EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey, 54, ahead of their performance in the Strictly Christmas special, the panel asked about their December 25 plans. While Nicholas described a traditional Caribbean celebration with family, Luba's plans stood in stark contrast.
"I am painting my walls, by choice, on my own," Luba revealed. She added, "Having a lovely time, I think some people would love actually to do what I will do. But I am embracing it. I just felt like I need some time on my own, have some ice cream, watch some movies and paint my walls!"
Co-host Nadia Sawalha responded with empathy, stating, "I'm just looking at you and thinking that sounds so lovely."
Strictly Christmas Special Challenge
The pair were on the show to promote the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, airing on Christmas Day. Nicholas, who plays Anthony Trueman in EastEnders, will compete against fellow celebrities Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Jodie Ounsley, Babatunde Aléshé, and Brian McFadden.
Discussing the physical challenge of training, Nicholas confessed, "It got real. There were some aches and pains, and some muscles I didn't know I had." He acknowledged the difficulty was part of the appeal, saying, "I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and try something different out. These people are extraordinary athletes."
He concluded with a philosophical note: "I don't think anything worth doing is easy."
A Fond Farewell to Tess and Claudia
The interview also touched on the emotional nature of this year's special, marking the final appearance of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman after 14 years. Nicholas expressed his privilege at being part of their last show.
"For somebody who was a fan of the show, they are two of the best to ever do it," he said. "It's such a privilege to be part of their last ever appearance on the show. It was very moving, but very uplifting as well. You really felt you were part of making history."
Luba joined Strictly Come Dancing back in 2016 as an assistant choreographer before becoming a professional dancer two years later. Her previous celebrity partners include James Cracknell, Jason Bell, Adam Thomas, and Nick Knowles.
Loose Women airs weekdays from 12:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
