With only weeks to go before the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing, it’s alleged that two professional dancers won’t have a celebrity partner this year.
Every year, there are a few pros who miss out on a chance to lift the glitterball trophy, and for 2025, Luba Mushtuk and Nancy Xu have been told they won’t be competing, according to reports.
Training for the next BBC series, which is scheduled to begin on September 20 (yet to be confirmed by the broadcaster), has already begun, and it’s understood that Luba and Nancy are still taking part in the weekly group numbers.
It’s thought they will also be helping in training and with choreography.
Every Strictly Come Dancing winner (2004-2024)
2 Strictly stars 'disappointed' to miss out on having celebrity partners this year
A TV source told The Sun: “Luba and Nancy were gutted not to be in a celebrity pairing and competing on the show this year.
“They are, understandably, disappointed, but realise that not everyone is able to get a celebrity partner every year.
“They will still be a big part of the series and in all the group numbers, as well as getting some extra dances in the main show.
“They’ll also be able to help in training and with choreography.
“Of course, the professional dancers are all expert athletes and want the best chance possible to win, it’s in their nature, but they’re grateful for the gig.”
Nancy joined Strictly in 2019 and has had a celebrity partner for the last four years, including Shayne Ward, Les Dennis, Will Mellor and Rhys Stephenson.
Luba became part of the cast a year before in 2018 and teamed up with Nick Knowles last year.
Throughout her time on the show, she has also been coupled with James Cracknell, Adam Thomas and Jason Bell.
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The BBC declined to comment when approached by Newsquest.
Who is on Strictly 2025?
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – Nitro from Gladiators
- Dani Dyer – former Love Islander
- Alex Kingston – actor, ER and Doctor Who star
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – ex-footballer
- Balvinder Sopal – EastEnders star
- George Clarke - YouTuber and podcaster
- La Voix - RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finalist
- Chris Robshaw -former England rugby union player and captain
- Ellie Goldstein - model
- Thomas Skinner - The Apprentice star (2019)
- Vicky Pattison - reality TV star
- Stefan Dennis - Neighbours actor
- Ross King - Hollywood correspondent
- Karen Carney - sports presenter and Lioness
- Lewis Cope - Emmerdale star
Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn was the final contestant confirmed for Strictly this year, but sadly had to pull out due to medical reasons.
He was replaced by Lewis, who has also appeared in the likes of Doctors and Vera.
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