The Russian-born dancer wrote on Instagram that she would be leaving with \u201ca heart full of gratitude\u201d, adding: \u201cThe time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing.\u201d Mushtuk is the third contestant to officially leave the show this month, following Nadiya Bychkova<\/a> and Karen Hauer<\/a>. <\/p>\n Mushtuk, 36, joined the cast of professional dancers on the BBC show in 2018 after two years as an assistant choreographer. She was first paired up with Olympian James Cracknell in 2019, with the pair becoming first to be eliminated from the series.<\/p>\n She was later matched with American footballer Jason Bell, Emmerdale star Adam Thomas and finally DIY: SOS presenter Nick Knowles in 2024. The further Mushtuk ever made it in the competition was to week seven with Thomas, while for the last two years, she hasn\u2019t been given a celebrity partner. <\/p>\n Announcing her departure on Instagram on Friday (27 March), Mushtuk wrote: \u201cWith a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing.\u201d <\/p>\n Adding that she\u2019s \u201cdeeply grateful\u201d for her time on the show, she wrote: \u201cThank you for the amazing opportunity and the unforgettable memories. It has truly meant the world to me.<\/p>\n \u201cNow it\u2019s time for me to follow my dreams beyond the show, and I\u2019m excited for what the future holds. I can\u2019t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I\u2019m really looking forward to it for one last time.\u201d<\/p>\n Mushtuk\u2019s Strictly colleagues flooded the comment section with supportive messages, with Johannes Radebe writing: \u201cLove you babe,\u201d while Nancy Xu commented: \u201cI know you will shine no matter you will design to achieve for the future beautiful girl.\u201d<\/p>\n Gorka Marquez, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden and Hauer also wrote well wishes, while 2026 Strictly winner Karen Carney said: \u201cThank you for being so kind and supportive to me on the show. It was so great to get to know you and I\u2019m excited for you and your next adventures. big love Luba.\u201d<\/p>\n Strictly followed Mushtuk\u2019s announcement with one of their own on Instagram, thanking the professional dancer for her \u201coutstanding contribution\u201d to the show. \u201cSince 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 \u2013 bringing professionalism, creativity, and her quality expertise year after year.<\/p>\n \u201cRespected 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\u2014whether through the care and commitment she showed her celebrity partners or her warmth and kindness behind the scenes.<\/p>\n \u201cLuba has been, and always will be, a much-loved member of the Strictly family, and we wish her every success in the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Earlier in March, it was reported that Mushtuk and a number of other professional dancers were set to be dropped from the cast ahead<\/a> of the 2026 series. The Sun reported that Mushtuk M\u00e1rquez, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nadiya Bychkova would not be returning to the show later this year amid a big shake-up behind the scenes. <\/p>\n![\"Luba](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Strictly-Come-Dancing-2024-q45ymsb0.jpeg\")
Luba Mushtuk on \u2018Strictly Come Dancing\u2019 with Nick Knowles in 2024 (BBC)<\/p>\n![\"Mushtuk\u2019s](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774630519_643_GettyImages-2185435622.jpeg\")
Mushtuk\u2019s announcement follows the exits of Karen Hauer and Nadiya Bychkova (Getty)<\/p>\n