Strictly Come Dancing's Luba Mushtuk Responds to BBC Exit Announcement
Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk has publicly reacted to the news of her exit from the BBC show, marking the latest departure in what fans have labelled a 'bloodbath' for the sequin-strewn series. This follows the exits of other big-name stars, including Karen Hauer and Nadiya Bychkova, as the programme undergoes a significant cast shake-up.
Luba Mushtuk's Heartfelt Instagram Statement
The BBC announced Luba Mushtuk's departure today, offering a heartfelt thank you to the dancer, whom they described as a much-loved member of the Strictly team. In response, the former assistant choreographer took to Instagram to share her thoughts. She wrote, 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 opportunities and unforgettable memories. It truly has meant the world to me.
Luba added that she is now looking forward to the future, stating, 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 one last time.
Support from Fellow Dancers and Celebrities
Her positive post garnered supportive messages from fellow Strictly stars. Last year's winner, Karen Carney, replied, Thank you for being so kind and supportive to me on the show. It was so great to get to know you and I’m excited for you and your next adventures. Big love Luba. Gemma Atkinson, engaged to departing dancer Gorka Marquez, commented, Exciting times ahead.
Other dancers also shared their support in the comments section. Amy Dowden wrote, Love you xxx, while Johannes Radebe typed, Love you darling, alongside a red love heart emoji. Nadiya Bychkova, who recently left the show, shared three white love heart emojis.
BBC's Praise and Nadiya Bychkova's Potential New Role
In announcing Luba's exit, the BBC praised her dedication, saying, We are incredibly grateful for her dedication to the programme and for always going above and beyond—whether through the care and commitment she showed her celebrity partners or her warmth and kindness behind the scenes. Luba has been, and always will be, a much-loved member of the Strictly family, and we wish her every success in the future.
Meanwhile, Nadiya Bychkova, though leaving the dancing team, has reportedly been offered a chance to stay on the show in a choreography role. A source told The Sun, Nadiya is so recognisable with viewers and bosses felt it would be a real loss to lose her from the Strictly family altogether. After a few conversations, they reportedly offered her a choreography role which she is very open to. The source added that while sad to no longer dance, Nadiya recognises opportunities for more lucrative commercial projects.
Broader Cast Changes and Hosting Speculation
The Strictly team has bid farewell to several long-time members recently, with Gorka Marquez and Michelle Tsiakkas also said to have been axed in a bid to introduce fresh faces to the professional line-up. Additionally, the decision on who will host the show following the exits of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman remains pending.
Recently, Louie Spence suggested potential hosts, telling the Mirror, Rylan would be great fun [as host]. I love Rylan, he's got a great personality. He's young enough to keep going if it's going to keep going for years. Zoe Ball, she's great. Who knows how many more years a show like that will last? Things are moving so quickly now, with the way things are changing. Whoever gets it, I'm sure they'd be fabulous.
