Luba Mushtuk Becomes Latest Strictly Come Dancing Pro To Leave Show Ahead Of This Year's Series

Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk is the latest cast member to confirm they’re leaving the show in an apparent mass exodus ahead of the show’s return later this year.

At the beginning of March, Luba was one of five Strictly dancers reported to be facing the axe ahead of the 2026 series, alongside Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Nadiya Bychkova and Karen Hauer.

On Friday morning, the Russian-British performer confirmed to her Instagram followers that she would not be returning to the Strictly ballroom after a decade as a pro.

“With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing,” she wrote. “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.”

Following the initial reports about numerous pros leaving the BBC dance show, Karen confirmed she has left the show after 14 seasons, while Michelle also appeared to suggest that reports about her being dropped from the show’s resident troupe of dancers were accurate, and confirmed she had pulled out of a planned Strictly tour.

Despite her exit, Luba has announced she will still be taking part in this tour, telling her fans: “I can’t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I’m really looking forward to it for one last time.”

Meanwhile, Nadiya broke her silence on the matter earlier this week, confirming that her role on Strictly was “evolving”, but not offering any further information on what that would entail.

Strictly is currently on the hunt for two new presenters for this year’s run, following the much-publicised departures of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly towards the end of 2025.