'I want someone who is committed' Strictly pro Luba Mushtuk on next celeb partner
LUBA MUSHTUK has opened up on the best qualities a celebrity dance partner could have as she prepares for new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Strictly’s Luba Mushtuk does workout with Karen Hauer
Strictly Come Dancing professional Luba Mushtuk, 31, has opened up about what she looks for in a celebrity dance partner. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the star spoke about her determination to progress in this year's show, after exiting the favourite series early both times she has previously competed.
The best quality they could have is trust, go full on or go home
Speaking about the qualities she looks for in a partner, Luba emphasised the importance of trust.
"The best quality they could have is trust, go full-on or go home," she said candidly.
"[I want] somebody who is really committed and is knowing that they're going outside of their comfort zone but they're willing to give it all to try and to make that happen," the star added.
Luba continued: "Because it's definitely not easy but it's amazing when they achieve the unachievable on Saturday night and they see that they made it and they actually danced."
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"This year I want someone who is committed and wants to go for it and will trust me and have fun - that's pretty much it," the star admitted.
Luba joined the cast of the BBC favourite show for the 17th series which saw her partner with Olympic athlete James Cracknell.
However, they were the first couple to be eliminated from the competition, finishing in 15th place with an average score of 12.
The next year, Luba was partnered with Jason Bell, who is the ex-boyfriend of Girls Aloud singer Nadine Coyle.
The duo finished in 11th place with a score of 20.3.
Addressing her early exits from the dance floor, the star confessed to feeling "empty" by losing out.
"Obviously I'm sad [to go], that's a normal reaction and I hope that there is so much more that the people can give.
"It's always very, very sad to go, it's not only hard work [you put in] you put soul and heart - you put everything into it so when it's over it feels a little empty, but it's life," she added.
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Speaking about her goal for this year's show, the star said she wanted to finish in a higher place than last year.
"My goal for this year's show is to do a better job than last years, a greater job than last year and hopefully to do as many weeks as we can and just to enjoy the process because it's an amazing programme," she gushed.
Luba continued: "I truly enjoy the whole journey no matter if I'm out, if I'm in, great," she said.
"I mean if I'm out week one - obviously I want to stay until the final, but I just want to enjoy it and do my best," she admitted truthfully.
Before taking to the dancefloor the Russian dancer was an assistant choreographer on the show for two years.
Luba and Strictly co-star Giovanni Pernice sparked romance rumours after she referred to him as "My man" in an intimate social media post.
However, both sides refuted the rumours and Luba has confirmed that she is focussed solely on her career this year.
"I'm definitely focussed on being back after one year of not dancing, and rehearsing for the pro-tour, and then Strictly will start - and that's what I'm focussed on now," she said.