Luba Mushtuk reveals surprise new career following shock exit from Strictly Come Dancing

Luba Mushtuk was one of the five Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers producers confirmed would sadly not be returning to the show this year.

However, speaking to HELLO! at the launch of the Peaky Blinders Underworld experience, the former BBC star revealed that she was now looking forward to a career as an actress.

“It will always be about art and creating,” she said of her future. “And I would love to pursue my acting career. I now have an agent in acting, and who knows what will happen.” She then teased: “Maybe I’ll be in the next Peaky Blinders series!“

The star confirmed that she was already auditioning for roles, saying that she found acting a “very beautiful art form that is very mesmerising”.

And Luba has no hard feelings about her departure from Strictly, as when asked about its upcoming series, she said: “It’s going to be a wonderful series. There are so many new changes they’ve made, and I’m really looking forward to sitting down and watching it on my screen with all the new dancers.

“I’m sure the group numbers are going to be fantastic; they’re actually in rehearsal now. Change is great, and everybody needs to have a positive outlook on it. People are scared of change, but I believe that change is a great thing.“

Luba revealed on 27 March that she was not returning to Strictly this year, 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 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.”

© BBC

The dancer concluded: “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.”

During her time on the show, Luba danced with Olympic rower James Cracknell, former NFL player Jason Bell, actor Adam Thomas and TV presenter Nick Knowles. The star sadly didn’t have a pro partner for her final series on the show.

Strictly Come Dancing’s leavers and new faces

Alongside Luba, pro dancers Karen Hauer, Gorka Marquez, Nadiya Bychkova and Michelle Tsiakkas also aren’t returning. Karen was the longest-serving pro on the show when she stood down.

Also leaving the BBC titan were presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who confirmed in October that they would be leaving the show following 2025’s Christmas special. It was revealed in May that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe would be taking on their roles.

Five new pros are joining in the form of Aleksandra Isaeva, Cristian Priori, Lethabo Monametsi, Maddie Ingoldsby and Mark Karmalita.

The new pros might look young, but they have plenty of experience: Aleksandra ranks among the top 21 Latin dancers in the world, Cristian is a four-time Italian Latin dancing champion, Lethabo has danced with the likes of Diana Ross, Maddie is a UK National Ballroom Champion and Mark is a two-time National Latin Champion.