Two Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers were caught in tears as they bid an emotional farewell to the show during their last tour performance. The beloved BBC programme is undergoing a major shake-up, with three presenters replacing Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly as hosts, while several professional dancers have left the show.
It was previously confirmed that Karen Hauer, Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk, Nadiya Bychkova, and Gorka Marquez would all be departing the programme, leaving fans devastated amid a rumoured 'bloodbath'. Luba and Gorka have now been filmed saying goodbye during an emotional tour finale.
The pair appeared to be in tears as Luba shared a farewell speech, thanking her co-stars. She told the audience: 'Yes this dance has come to an end, and this tour has come to an end, but it has been absolutely unforgettable. I want to thank, I would really really like to thank, a part of each one of you at this stage, but I would also like to thank every single person who works behind the scenes, the people who you don't see, because without them none of this would be possible, so thank you so much.'
As Gorka wiped away tears, she added: 'Wow, this is... wow! I want to leave you with this, no matter where life takes you, the music will go on, and so we must keep dancing.' Fans were in bits watching the clip, which was shared on TikTok, with one writing: 'Bless Gorka, he was trying so hard to keep a straight face… going to miss him and Luba.'
Another said: 'Bookmarking for when I’m emotionally ready.' A third wrote: 'Will miss you and Gorka so much,' as another said: 'I had JUST stopped crying pls don’t.' 'Aw Luba we will miss u,' another wrote. Earlier this year, Luba took to Instagram to announce her departure from Strictly.
She said: 'With a heart full of gratitude, the time has come for me to step away from Strictly Come Dancing. I am deeply grateful for the past 10 years on this beautiful show! Thank you for the amazing opportunity and the unforgettable memories. It has truly meant the world to me. Now it’s time for me to follow my dreams beyond the show, and I’m excited for what the future holds.'
The Russian-British dancer, who joined Strictly in 2018 and has partnered with the likes of Adam Thomas and Nick Knowles, signed off: 'I can’t wait to see you all on the Pro Tour and I’m really looking forward to it for one last time.' Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One and iPlayer later this year.
