Strictly Come Dancing star Luba Mushtuk has revealed when she will be returning to dancing after being axed from her role as a professional on the BBC competition. Earlier this year, it was announced that the ballroom star, 36, had been let go as part of a major cast shake-up, which saw several fan-favourite dancers dismissed.
The dancer was reportedly left 'devastated' by the news, having believed she had more time left on the programme, where she had appeared on screen since 2018 after first joining as a choreographer in 2016. However, taking to social media, Luba confirmed that she is not hanging up her dancing shoes anytime soon, announcing her return to the dance floor.
She wrote to her fans, who have been asking about her next steps: 'As so many of you have been asking me what I'm going to do after tour is over. So here it is…' Sharing a poster for her upcoming dance lessons series, which begins next month, she added: 'Luba's Little Sunday Thing. I'm so excited about this.'
Luba, one of seven professionals leaving the series, also posted an emotional message to her followers as the Strictly Come Dancing tour came to an end. Ahead of the final week, she said: 'The final week of the tour begins tomorrow and before it does, I just wanted to say thank you, truly and deeply thank you, to all of you who have taken the time to share your love with me through your messages, your words at stage doors, your tears and your love. It means more than I could ever fully put into words.'
She continued: 'Reading your thoughts and feelings and knowing that something in my words has reached your hearts is exactly what I hoped for when I chose what I wanted to say in my speech. And I'm so grateful to be able to share a piece of my heart with you all and to know that you can feel it too, reminding each other that none of us are ever truly alone. I will carry your love with me long after the final dance. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.'
The news comes as Strictly undergoes a major revamp, with Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and Johannes Radebe announced as new hosts. The show is also set to welcome five new professional dancers, including Ukrainian dancer Kateryna Klishyna, 29, who has been described as 'the new Nadiya Bychkova' after the latter was axed in March. Kateryna has previously appeared on America's Dancing With The Stars and So You Think You Can Dance in Ukraine.
A source told The Sun: 'Bosses love Kateryna. Many will see her as Nadiya's replacement as they look so similar.' BBC representatives declined to comment when approached.
Nadiya Bychkova was one of several professionals to be let go this year, joining Karen Hauer, 43, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Gorka Marquez, 35, and Luba. After nine years on the show, Nadiya shared her exit on Instagram in March, expressing gratitude for her supporters. She wrote: 'After nine wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving. There is something truly special about being part of a programme that plays such a big part in so many people's lives, and I want to thank all those who have sent beautiful messages over the last few weeks.'
The BBC released a statement saying: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing. Since joining the show nine years ago, Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.'
Returning professional dancers for the upcoming series include Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr, Vito Coppola, Nancy Xu, Katya Jones, Julian Caillon, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Kai Widdrington, and Lauren Oakley. Bosses have confirmed new professional dancers will join in 2026, while judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke, and Shirley Ballas are also set to return.
