Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk has shared a surprisingly poignant admission about her upcoming festive plans, revealing she will be spending Christmas Day entirely alone.
A Solo Celebration for the Strictly Star
The 36-year-old dancer appeared on ITV's Loose Women on Monday, 22 December, alongside EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey, 54. The panel, featuring Jane Moore, Judi Love, Nadia Sawalha, and Frankie Bridge, were discussing their plans for the 25th of December when Luba disclosed her unconventional intentions.
"I am painting my walls, by choice, on my own," Luba explained to the hosts. She added, "I just felt like I need some time on my own, have some ice cream, watch some movies and paint my walls." Despite the solitary nature of her plans, the professional dancer insisted she was embracing the opportunity for some peaceful reflection.
Contrasting Festive Plans on the Loose Women Panel
Her co-guest, Nicholas Bailey, presented a starkly different vision for the holiday. He told the panel he would be enjoying a traditional Caribbean celebration with his mother, daughters, and cousins, complete with a Caribbean roast, his nan's mac and cheese, and rum cake.
The conversation naturally turned to the upcoming Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, which has already been filmed and will air on BBC One on Christmas Day. Nicholas, who is competing alongside stars like Scarlett Moffatt and Brian McFadden, described the physical challenge of the show, calling the professionals "extraordinary athletes."
A Historic Finale for Strictly's Beloved Hosts
The special episode will be a particularly significant one, marking the final joint appearance of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Nicholas Bailey expressed his privilege at being part of their last show, calling it "very moving" and stating, "You really felt you were part of making history."
While Luba Mushtuk prepares for a quiet day of DIY and self-care, Strictly fans can look forward to a glittering, if emotional, festive special on December 25th. The episode will see the celebrity contestants vying for the Christmas trophy under the scrutiny of judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
