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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Lifestyle
Holly Patrick

Strictly star bids emotional farewell on final BBC tour after show exit

Luba Mushtuk

Strictly Come Dancing star Luba Mushtuk hugged her fellow BBC stars on stage as she bid an emotional farewell to the show on the final night of the 2026 Strictly: The Professionals tour on Sunday (31 May).

The 36-year-old dancer announced her departure in March, saying she was "deeply grateful" for her 10 years working on the show.

The BBC has confirmed new professionals will be recruited and announced closer to the dancing show’s return in autumn to replace Mushtuk as well as Gorka Marquez, Michelle Tsiakkas, Karen Hauer, and Nadiya Bychkova.

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