Strictly Come Dancing 2026 confirms another key cast change as long-running professional bows out
Luba Mushtuk has confirmed her departure from the series, after first joining the line-up in 2018.
Following reports earlier this month, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Luba Mushtuk has now confirmed that she has left the long-running series.
Mushtuk, who has been with the series since 2018, announced the news on a post on Instagram, saying: "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 opportunity and 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.
"I can’t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I’m really looking forward to it for one last time. With all my love, Luba."
Mushtuk isn't the only professional dancer to announce her departure in recent days. Both Karen Hauer and Nadiya Bychkova have confirmed their own departures, while reports have claimed that others will be leaving the show, too.
This news also comes after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepped down from their hosting duties last year. Their replacements have yet to be officially announced.
There have been reports that the series could in fact be fronted by three presenters when it returns, with those in the running said to include The One Show's Alex Jones, BBC Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox and The Great British Bake Off's Mel Giedroyc
The rumoured list of frontrunners also includes It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball, Ball's successor on that show, Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Strictly season 12 contestant Alison Hammond, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two host Fleur East, and 2023 Strictly contestant Angela Scanlon.
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
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Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
