Helen Skelton and Karen Carney pay tribute to Luba Mushtuk after Strictly exit

Helen Skelton and Karen Carney are among the stars who have paid tribute to Luba Mushtuk following the news that she has stepped down as a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing.

The 36-year-old announced the news on Instagram on Friday and said she is “deeply grateful” for the past 10 years she has spent working on the BBC dance show.

The Russian dancer also said she “can’t wait” to see her supporters during the upcoming Strictly: The Professionals tour, adding: “I’m really looking forward to it for one last time.”

Mushtuk has been partnered with Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas and Olympic rower James Cracknell during her time on the show, and danced with TV presenter Nick Knowles in the last series.

During her tenure on the show, she also won the 2018 Strictly Come Dancing Children In Need special after a one-off performance with Boyzone star Shane Lynch.

Her departure comes after her fellow professional dancers Karen Hauer and Nadiya Bychkova recently announced that they were leaving the show.

Following the news of her exit, Skelton, who was a contestant on Strictly in 2022, was among the stars offering their support in the comments beneath her post.

The 42-year-old former Blue Peter presenter wrote: “Thank you for your support and kindness during my time. Those eyes. Love and hugs. Here is to turning the page x.”

Former England Lionesses footballer Carney, who won the latest series of the dancing competition, 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.”

Former Love Island champion Amber Davies, who was a runner-up in the latest series of the show, also commented: “Love you SO MUCH.”

Other celebrities who flooded the comments include former Strictly contestant and reality TV star Vicky Pattison, and current professional dancers Amy Dowden and Dianne Buswell.

Mushtuk was also praised in a post on the BBC Strictly Instagram page for her “outstanding contribution” to Strictly Come Dancing.

The broadcaster wrote: “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.”