Strictly Come Dancing star Luba Mushtuk has confirmed she will not be returning to the BBC dancing competition ahead of the latest series.
Over the last couple of weeks, there have been rumours that many of the professional dancers have been axed from the series.
Long-standing dancer Nadiya Bychkova recently announced she will no longer be competing and has taken a backstage role as a choreographer.
Now, Ms Mushtuk has announced she is also stepping away from the highly popular BBC series and left her fans stunned with the news.
Taking to her Instagram account, she penned: “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 the unforgettable memories. It has truly meant the world to me.
“Now it’s time for me to follow my dreams beyond the shiw, 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.”
The official BBC Strictly account also penned a heartfelt tribute to Ms Mushtuk and said:” A heartfelt thank you to Luba Mushtuk for her outstanding contribution to Strictly Come Dancing.
“Since she joined in 2016 as an assistant choreographer and stepping into the professional dancer line-up two years later.
“Luba has been a valued member of the team – bringing professionalism, creativity, and her quality expertise year after year.
“Respected both on and off the dance floor, she has consistently delivered unforgettable routines, captivating audiences with her remarkable talent and signature elegance.
Ms Mushtuk's most succeful series on the show was with Adam Thomas
|BBC
“We are incredibly grateful for her dedication to the programme and for 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 every success in the future.” (sic)
Many of Ms Mushtuk’s co-stars flocked to her comment section to wish her well, as Lauren Oakley penned: “Love you my girl.”
“Love you,” Amy Dowden added before Nancy Xu said: “I know you will shine no matter you will design to achieve for the future beautiful girl.”
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Nadiya Bychkova, who has already revealed she will no longer be part of the professional dancer line-up simply penned three white love heart emojis.
Last year's Strictly winner Karen Carney penned: “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.” (sic)
Fans of the show have been left devastated by the news, with many claiming that BBC Strictly are making a big mistake with letting many of their dancers go.
Commenting on Ms Mushtuk’s post, one fumed: “I don’t think Luba got a fair crack at having a celebrity partner. She always stood out in group numbers and was a joy to watch – all the best Luba. Good luck for your next chapter.”
Ms Mushtuk is amongst a few who have been axed from the show
|“OMG. What one earth is going on here. Why are you axing so many fabulous dancers? Please explain to your fanbase, we love Strictly right from day one meeting Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly,” someone else added.
A third griped: “Ok so either the show is cancelled or they’re replacing prerry much EVERY single pro - either way I don’t like it.”
One sadded fan said: “Gutted all these beautiful dancers are being let go. Strictly wil not be the same.”
Another expressed: “The BBC are making a huge mistake here . They are ignoring the existing audience and trying to appeal to a younger generation who don't watch television as we do so it will be a disastrous reboot with viewers turning off” (sic)
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