Strictly's Luba Mushtuk to Spend Christmas Alone Painting Walls

In a surprising festive revelation, Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk has announced she will be spending Christmas Day 2025 completely alone.

A Solo Celebration for the Strictly Star

Appearing on ITV's Loose Women on Monday, December 22, the dancer told the panel she was actively choosing solitude this year. Instead of gathering with family or friends for a traditional turkey dinner, Luba's plans involve a paintbrush and some personal time.

"I am painting my walls, by choice, on my own," she explained to hosts Jane Moore, Judi Love, Nadia Sawalha, and Frankie Bridge. "Having a lovely time, I think some people would love to actually do what I will do. But I am embracing it. I just felt like I need some time on my own, have some ice cream, watch some movies and paint my walls."

Contrasting Festive Plans on Loose Women

Her co-guest on the show, EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey, presented a starkly different vision for the holiday. He is planning a bustling, traditional Caribbean celebration with his family, complete with a special roast, his nan's mac and cheese, and a rum cake.

The pair were on the programme ahead of the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, which is set to air on December 25. Nicholas, who is competing in the festive episode, spoke about the physical challenge of training with the show's professional dancers, whom he called "extraordinary athletes."

A Historic Finale for Iconic Presenters

The upcoming special will also be a significant moment in Strictly history, as it marks the final time that long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will appear together on the show. Nicholas Bailey described being part of their last episode as a "privilege," calling it a "very moving, but very uplifting" experience.

Viewers can tune in on Christmas Day to see who wins the glitterball trophy among the celebrity contestants, who include: