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Strictly's Luba Mushtuk heartbroken as pro star 'in hiding' after show 'axe'

Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk is said to be in 'hiding' after sources claim she will not be returning to the BBC show - with friends saying the star is 'devastated'

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Luba Mushtuk is said to have gone into hiding after learning she will not be returning to Strictly(Image: Getty)

Luba Mushtuk is reported to have retreated from public view after discovering she won't be returning to strictly-come-dancing>Strictly Come Dancing - with pals saying the bombshell decision has left her "devastated". The professional dancer, 35, has been a fixture on the BBC programme since 2018, but sources say she was caught off guard when informed she wouldn't feature in the next series' lineup.

Whilst the broadcaster is yet to announce the complete roster of professionals for the forthcoming season, insiders claim Luba has already been told her services are no longer needed. A source told Express.co.uk: "Luba is absolutely devastated. Strictly has been her life for years and she genuinely believed she would be back."

They revealed that the dancer has disappeared from public sight in the days following the revelation. "She's basically in hiding right now," the insider claimed. "She's not answering calls, not replying to messages - she just wants to process it privately."

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Luba joined the show as a professional dancer in 2018(Image: Getty)

Luba became part of the programme as a professional dancer in 2018 and has been paired with various celebrities throughout the years, whilst also participating in group performances and special episodes, reports the Express.

Despite her appeal amongst viewers, sources suggest the decision formed part of a broader reshuffle behind the scenes rather than any particular concern regarding her.

"This wasn't about wrongdoing or performance," the source insisted. "It's a brutal reality of TV - producers refresh the cast and sometimes people who've done nothing wrong get cut."

Friends say the abruptness of the decision has been especially difficult to come to terms with.

"She thought she had more time. There was no long goodbye, no gradual transition - just a phone call telling her she wouldn't be needed."

[Strictly Come Dancing star Luba Mushtuk]

Strictly Come Dancing star Luba Mushtuk(Image: Luba Mushtuk Instagram)

According to insiders, the dancer had been arranging future projects around her anticipated return to the ballroom. "She had assumed Strictly would still be her main job this year," the source said.

"Now everything is up in the air."

Another source claimed the news has struck particularly hard due to the emotional connection between the professionals.

"Strictly isn't just a job - it becomes your family. Losing that overnight is incredibly tough."

Despite the shock, those close to Luba believe she will recover.

"She's heartbroken now, but she's talented and hardworking. Opportunities will come - just not immediately."

Fans have already inundated social media with messages of support, with many voicing disappointment at the possibility of her departure.

The source added she has been moved by the response but isn't yet prepared to engage publicly. "She knows people care, and that means a lot to her. But at the moment she just needs space."

Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the BBC's largest entertainment programmes, consistently drawing millions of viewers each series.

For now, insiders say she is concentrating on regrouping away from the spotlight. "Right now she just wants to disappear for a bit," the source added.

"It's been a huge shock."

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