Luba Mushtuk Returns to Dancing with New Classes

Come Dancing star has revealed when she'll be returning to dancing after she was axed from her role as a professional on the competition. 

Earlier this year, it was revealed that ballroom star Luba, 36, had waved goodbye to the show as part of a major shake-up of the cast, which saw a number of fan-favourite dancers given the boot. 

The star was said to have been left 'devastated' by the news having thought 'she had more time' left on the BBC programme - where she has appeared on screen since 2018 after first joining the series as a choreographer in 2016. 

Taking to her social media, Luba revealed that she wasn't hanging up her dancing shoes any time soon, however, as she confirmed her return to the dance floor. 

She penned to her fans, who have been asking what is next for the star: 'As so many of you have been asking me what I’m going to do after tour is over. So here it is…'

Sharing a poster for her upcoming dance lessons series, which begin next month, she added: 'Luba's Little Sunday Thing. I'm so excited about this.' 

Luba, who was one of seven pros waving goodbye to the series, then penned an emotional post to her following about the end of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. 

Ahead of the end of the tour this week, Luba revealed: 'The final week of the tour begins tomorrow and before it does, I just wanted to say thank you, truly and deeply thank you, to all of you who have taken the time to share your love with me through your messages, your words at stage doors, your tears and your love.  

'It means more than I could ever fully put into words.

'Reading your thoughts and feelings and knowing that something in my words has reached your hearts is exactly what I hoped for when I chose what I wanted to say in my speech.

'And I’m so grateful to be able to share a piece of my heart with you all and to know that you can feel it too, reminding each other that none of us are ever truly alone.

'I will carry your love with me long after the final dance. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.'

It comes as this series of has undergone a huge makeover after it was announced this week that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and will be the new hosts of the show. 

And in addition to the new presenters, the show is also preparing to welcome five new professional dancers to the line up. 

Strictly bosses are reportedly set to sign Ukrainian dancer Kateryna Klishyna, who has been branded 'the new ' after it was revealed the latter was axed from the show back in March. 

Kateryna, 29, has previously appeared on America's and So You Think You Can Dance in Ukraine.

And she has caught the eyes of bosses after her audition as a source revealed to The Sun: 'Bosses love Kateryna. Many will see her as Nadiya's replacement as they look so similar.'

 representatives refused to comment when approached by the Daily Mail.

Nadiya was just one of a slew of professionals to be given the boot this year, joining Karen Hauer, 43, Michelle Tsiakkas, 30, Gorka Marquez, 35, and Luba. 

After nine years on the show, partnering with celebrities including Dan Walker and Davood Ghadami, Nadiya shared the news of her exit on Instagram in March as she voiced her gratitude for everyone who had supported her.

'After nine wonderful years, this part of my journey with Strictly Come Dancing is evolving,' she penned.

'There is something truly special about being part of a programme that plays such a big part in so many people's lives, and I want to thank all those who have sent beautiful messages over the last few weeks and those who have voted, shouted, supported, celebrated and cheered during every series.

'Strictly has allowed me to discover new sides of myself, develop new skills, and evolve as an artist in ways I will always be grateful for.

'This isn't the end... I look forward to being part of the Strictly world for many years to come in ways I am beginning to explore.'

As she was flooded with supportive messages from her followers, Tess led the gushing comments, writing: 'Love you to bits. Beautiful inside and out.'

In a statement confirming Nadiya's exit, the BBC said: 'We would like to say a huge thank you to Nadiya Bychkova for her incredible contribution to Strictly Come Dancing.

'Since joining the show nine years ago, Nadiya has brought elegance, artistry and unwavering dedication to the ballroom, and she will always remain a cherished member of the Strictly family.

'Over the years, Nadiya has delivered countless memorable performances, showcasing not only her exceptional talents as a dancer and choreographer but also her brilliance as a teacher to all her celebrity partners.

'A consummate professional, Nadiya embodies the very best of what Strictly stands for. We are deeply grateful for everything she has given to the show and wish her every success for the future.'

The dancers that will be back in the ballroom later this year include Dianne Buswell, Amy Dowden, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Alexis Warr and Vito Coppola.

Also set to return are Nancy Xu, Katya Jones, Julian Caillon, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Jowita Przystał, Kai Widdrington and Lauren Oakley.

Bosses have revealed that there will be brand new professional dancers joining the line-up in 2026, while judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Head Judge Shirley Ballas are also set to return.