Luba Mushtuk is said to be feeling 'absolutely devastated' after being suddenly cut from the Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer lineup, as the BBC show undergoes a significant cast shake-up following the departure of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Major Cast Overhaul Hits Strictly Come Dancing
In a sweeping overhaul, the BBC has dropped several long-serving professional dancers, including Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, and Gorka Márquez. Sources indicate that all affected professionals have already been informed of their fate, with the decisions described as part of a producer-driven refresh rather than related to any wrongdoing or performance issues.
Luba Mushtuk's Devastating Blow
Luba Mushtuk, who joined Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer in 2018, reportedly 'thought she had more time' before this mass departure. A source told the Express: 'Luba is absolutely devastated. Strictly has been her life for years and she genuinely believed she would be back.'
The 36-year-old dancer is said to be 'basically in hiding right now,' not answering calls or replying to messages as she processes the news privately. The source added: 'There was no long goodbye, no gradual transition – just a phone call telling her she wouldn't be needed.'
Karen Hauer's Exit After Twelve Years
Karen Hauer, 43, who joined Strictly in 2012 and became the longest-serving female professional dancer, was informed last week that her contract would not be renewed. An insider described it as 'very much a case of out with the old and in with the new,' noting that Karen was 'obviously very upset' but trying to remain positive about focusing on her choreography and fitness industry work.
Despite reaching the final twice – with Mark Wright in 2014 and Jamie Laing in 2020 – Karen never won the Strictly glitterball trophy. Her last celebrity partner was Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, following previous partnerships with figures like former footballer Paul Merson and comedian Eddie Kadi.
Contract Renewals and Uncertain Returns
While some professionals face departure, Katya Jones has been confirmed to stay with a new contract, and Carlos Gu and Johannes Radebe have received the green light to remain. However, it appears increasingly unlikely that Aljaž Škorjanec will return to the show.
Neil Jones, 43, and Nancy Xu, 34 – who have rarely had celebrity dance partners in recent series – will also go without partners this year, though they may still appear in group dance numbers. This restructuring suggests producers are aiming for a fresh start after years of criticism and controversy surrounding the professional dancer lineup.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for both Luba Mushtuk and Karen Hauer for comment on these developments.
