STRICTLY Come Dancing professionals Luba Mushtuk and Nancy Xu have been left “disappointed” after being told they would not be getting a celebrity partner on this year’s series.
It comes as the new batch of stars have already started training for the BBC show, which starts on-screen next month.
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Russian-born Luba, 35, and Nancy, 34, were told in advance by bosses and will still be part of the group numbers.
A TV source said: “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 moved to the UK from China to join the show in 2019.
She has had a partner for the last four years dancing with Shayne Ward, Les Dennis, Will Mellor and Rhys Stephenson.
Luba, who joined the show in 2018, partnered Nick Knowles in last year’s series and has previously teamed up with James Cracknell, Adam Thomas and Jason Bell.
A BBC spokesman declined to comment.
