Strictly fans say BBC ruined show as Luba Mushtuk leaves

Following the departure of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly in the latest series, this week the show has announced the departures of professional dancers Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova and now Luba Mushtuk.

In a statement posted to Instagram, the BBC show shared “a heartfelt thank you” to Luba, acknowledging “her outstanding contribution” to Strictly.

The statement continues: “Since joining 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.

“We are incredibly grateful for her dedication to the programme and for always 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 her every success in the future.”

Luba has been a part of Strictly for 10 years and released her own statement about her exit on Instagram: “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 show, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Luba confirmed she would still be performing on the Strictly Professionals tour: “I can’t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I’m really looking forward to it for one last time.”

Fans call out BBC for “very strange” and “fishy” agenda amid axing of professionals

Commenting on the show’s official announcement about Luba’s exit, one fan said: “The agenda is ‘fishy’ I mean why would the two main presenters leave suddenly and announce it mid series ?

“Then all these lovely popular dancers being let go . It’s very strange .”

Another fan said: “I’ve hit the like button out of respect for Luba. Not the Strictly producers.

“You’re going to have to let us in on your strategy for this mass cull because loyal viewers like myself root for all the pros and I have really struggled to understand why they are doing this xx”.

Strictly Come Dancing’s longest-serving professional dancers

Someone else commented: “The show will lose it’s traditional and faithful audience base with too many changes of popular dancers along with Tess and Claudia going.

“Younger people won’t be rushing home on a Saturday teatime to make sure they’re in for Strictly, or take the time out their week to watch it back on iplayer.”

This person commented: “Strictly please can we stop announcing any more pros leaving cause my heart can’t take it ❤️”.

A fan accused the BBC of ruining the show: “What in gods name are you doing BBC – I almost hope this is your way of saying the show is going to end because you’ve ruined it for those that have watched for years.”

TV presenter Helen Skelton, who has competed on the show, commented on Luba’s post: “Thank you for your support and kindness during my time.

“Those eyes😍 love and hugs. Here is to turning the page x”.

Top 5 most iconic Strictly performances

Another former contestant on the show, Karen Carney, who is a pundit and former England footballer, said: “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 ❤️”.

Newsquest has contacted the BBC for comment.

Who is your favourite Strictly professional? Let us know in the comments below.