Strictly Come Dancing Star Luba Mushtuk 'Gone into Hiding' Following Devastating Axe from BBC Show
Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk is reportedly 'hiding away' as she comes to terms with being dropped from the popular BBC dance competition. Last week, it was revealed that Mushtuk, along with two other dancers, did not have their contracts renewed for the 2026 season, sparking widespread shock among fans and colleagues.
Major Cast Shake-Up for Strictly 2026
The Russian-British star, 36, is said to be 'absolutely devastated' by the news, which came as a complete surprise to her. According to a source, Mushtuk believed she would return to the show and is now processing the loss privately, refusing to answer calls or messages. Her axing is part of a broader restructuring by producers, who are aiming for a 'fresh start' as Strictly enters a new era with new hosts following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure.
In addition to Mushtuk, other professionals affected include long-serving Spanish dancer Gorka Marquez, relative newcomer Michelle Tsiakkas, and reportedly Nadiya Bychkova and Karen Hauer. Neil Jones and Nancy Xu are set to be 'benched,' meaning they won't be paired with celebrity partners when the show returns in autumn. This mass cull suggests a host of new professionals could join the lineup in the coming months.
Brutal Reality of Television Industry
An insider explained that Mushtuk's removal 'wasn't about wrongdoing or performance' but rather reflects the 'brutal reality of TV,' where producers refresh the cast periodically, sometimes cutting people who have done nothing wrong. The news was delivered abruptly via a phone call, with no long goodbye or gradual transition, leaving many feeling blindsided. Previous reports have indicated that some pros are informed of their fate through brief '15-minute calls,' even after years on the show.
Despite the BBC having measures in place to support stars, including enhanced welfare staff since 2024 after bullying claims, the lack of warning has left many feeling unsupported. A source noted that once axed, dancers are often left to 'lick their wounds alone,' with little duty of care from the network.
Fan Outrage and Career Highlights
Strictly viewers have expressed outrage over the dropping of fan favourites like Mushtuk, who joined the pro lineup in 2018. She won the Children in Need special that year with Shane Lynch and competed in four Christmas episodes. Her partners on the main show included James Cracknell, Jason Bell, Adam Thomas, and Nick Knowles, with her longest stint placing ninth with actor Adam Thomas in 2023. Other icons affected, such as Gorka Marquez, a four-time finalist with a decade on the show, and Karen Hauer, the longest-serving pro, highlight the scale of the shake-up.
Future of Strictly Come Dancing
As the show prepares for its new era, producers are set to host 'chemistry tests' in April for potential new presenters, including names like Alex Jones, Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, and Angela Scanlon. However, an official announcement on the hosting lineup is not expected until summer. This overhaul aims to 'create a new era' for Strictly, but it comes at a cost for long-standing professionals navigating unexpected career shifts.
The situation underscores the high-stakes nature of television entertainment, where even beloved stars can face sudden changes. For now, Luba Mushtuk remains in seclusion, grappling with the end of a significant chapter in her life without the show that has been her focus for years.
