Strictly star bids emotional farewell to show after final appearance

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleStrictly star Luba Mushtuk bids emotional farewell on final BBC tourProfessional dancer Luba Mushtuk has officially ended her 10-year association with Strictly Come Dancing, making her final appearance during the show's annual tour on 31 May. Mushtuk, who joined the BBC show as a professional dancer in 2018 after two years as an assistant choreographer, delivered an emotional farewell to fans, stating that while this 'dance has come to an end,' new opportunities are on the horizon. Her departure is part of a significant cast shake-up for the upcoming 2026 series, which also includes the exits of fellow dancers Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, Michelle Tsiakkis, and Gorka Marquez, though Marquez's decision was his own. Mushtuk cited a desire to 'follow my dreams beyond the show' as her reason for stepping away, having previously partnered with celebrities such as James Cracknell, Jason Bell, Adam Thomas, and Nick Knowles, with her furthest progression being week seven with Adam Thomas. The show is also undergoing changes to its presenting team, with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman being replaced by a new trio comprising Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and former professional Johannes Radebe, ahead of Strictly Come Dancing's return to BBC One in September. In fullTen-year Strictly veteran breaks down in tears on stage after BBC show exitThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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