Strictly star devastated and in hiding after BBC | UK News

Luba Mushtuk is said to have gone into hiding after studying she won’t be returning to Strictly Come Dancing — with buddies claiming the shock choice has left her “devastated”. The skilled dancer, 35, has been half of the BBC show since 2018, but insiders say she was blindsided when told she wouldn’t be included in the next collection’ line-up. While the broadcaster has yet to verify the full roster of professionals for the upcoming season, sources declare Luba has already been informed her providers will no longer be required.

A source told Express.co.uk: “Luba is absolutely devastated. Strictly has been her life for years and she genuinely believed she would be back.”

They added that the dancer has withdrawn from public view in the times since the news broke. “She’s basically in hiding right now,” the insider claimed. “She’s not answering calls, not replying to messages — she just wants to process it privately.”

Luba joined the show as a skilled dancer in 2018 and has partnered a number of celebrities over the years, also participating in group routines and particular episodes.

Despite her recognition with followers, sources counsel the choice was half of a wider shake-up behind the scenes fairly than any particular issue involving her.

“This wasn’t about wrongdoing or performance,” the source insisted. “It’s a brutal reality of TV — producers refresh the cast and sometimes people who’ve done nothing wrong get cut.”

Friends say the suddenness of the choice has been significantly exhausting to settle for.

“She thought she had more time. There was no long goodbye, no gradual transition — just a phone call telling her she wouldn’t be needed.”

According to insiders, the dancer had been planning future tasks around her anticipated return to the ballroom. “She had assumed Strictly would still be her main job this year,” the source said. “Now everything is up in the air.”

Another source claimed the news has hit particularly exhausting because of the emotional bond between the professionals.

“Strictly isn’t just a job — it becomes your family. Losing that overnight is incredibly tough.” Despite the shock, those close to Luba imagine she’s going to bounce back.

“She’s heartbroken now, but she’s talented and hardworking. Opportunities will come — just not immediately.”

Fans have already flooded social media with messages of assist, with many expressing disappointment at the prospect of her departure.

The source added she has been touched by the response but just isn’t yet prepared to interact publicly. “She knows people care, and that means a lot to her. But at the moment she just needs space.”

Strictly Come Dancing stays one of the BBC’s greatest leisure reveals, commonly attracting tens of millions of viewers each collection.

For now, insiders say she is targeted on regrouping away from the highlight. “Right now she just wants to disappear for a bit,” the source added. “It’s been a huge shock.”