Luba Mushtuk is said to have gone into hiding after learning she will not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing - with friends claiming the shock decision has left her "devastated". The professional dancer, 35, has been part of the BBC show since 2018, but insiders say she was blindsided when told she would not be included in the next series' line-up. While the broadcaster has yet to confirm the full roster of professionals for the upcoming season, sources claim Luba has already been informed her services will no longer be required.

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They added that the dancer has withdrawn from public view in the days since the news broke. "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."

Luba joined the show as a professional dancer in 2018 and has partnered several celebrities over the years, also taking part in group routines and special episodes.

Despite her popularity with fans, sources suggest the decision was part of a wider shake-up behind the scenes rather than any specific issue involving 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 suddenness of the decision has been particularly hard to accept.

"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."

According to insiders, the dancer had been planning future projects around her expected 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 hit especially hard because of the emotional bond 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 bounce back.

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

Fans have already flooded social media with messages of support, with many expressing disappointment at the prospect of her departure.

The source added she has been touched by the reaction but is not yet ready 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 biggest entertainment shows, regularly attracting millions of viewers each series.

For now, insiders say she is focused 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."