Strictly Come Dancing star Luba Mushtuk has become the third professional dancer to waltz away from the BBC show.

The Russian-born dancer wrote on Instagram that she would be leaving with “a heart full of gratitude”, adding: “The time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing.” Mushtuk is the third contestant to officially leave the show this month, following Nadiya Bychkova and Karen Hauer.

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.

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’t been given a celebrity partner.

Announcing her departure on Instagram on Friday (27 March), Mushtuk wrote: “With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing.”

Adding that she’s “deeply grateful” for her time on the show, she wrote: “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. I can’t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I’m really looking forward to it for one last time.”

Mushtuk’s Strictly colleagues flooded the comment section with supportive messages, with Johannes Radebe writing: “Love you babe,” while Nancy Xu commented: “I know you will shine no matter you will design to achieve for the future beautiful girl.”

Gorka Marquez, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Amy Dowden and Hauer also wrote well wishes, while 2026 Strictly winner Karen Carney said: “Thank you for being so kind and supportive to me on the show. It was so great to get to know you and I’m excited for you and your next adventures. big love Luba.”

Strictly followed Mushtuk’s announcement with one of their own on Instagram, thanking the professional dancer for her “outstanding contribution” to the show. “Since 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 – bringing professionalism, creativity, and her quality expertise year after year.

“Respected 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—whether through the care and commitment she showed her celebrity partners or her warmth and kindness behind the scenes.

“Luba has been, and always will be, a much-loved member of the Strictly family, and we wish her every success in the future.”

Earlier in March, it was reported that Mushtuk and a number of other professional dancers were set to be dropped from the cast ahead of the 2026 series. The Sun reported that Mushtuk Márquez, Michelle Tsiakkas and Nadiya Bychkova would not be returning to the show later this year amid a big shake-up behind the scenes.

While Mushtuk and Bychkova have confirmed their exits alongside Hauer, Tsiakkas appeared to confirm the rumours after quitting the show’s professional live tour shortly afterwards. In a statement posted to Strictly Come Dancing: The Professionals’ Instagram page, the production wrote: “Michelle Tsiakkas has decided not to take part in ‘Strictly The Professionals 2026 Tour’.

“We are naturally disappointed but respect her decision and wish her every success for the future.”