STRICTLY Come Dancing pro Nancy Xu broke her silence after being left without a celeb partner this series.
The Sun told how the Chinese dancer was “incensed” to have been benched from this year’s line-up.
Strictly’s Nancy Xu addressed not having a celebrity partner this series[/caption]
The dancer posted a video on Instagram referencing the situation[/caption]
Nancy partnered Shayne Ward in last year’s series[/caption]
Taking to Instagram, Nancy posted a video to her followers, addressing this news.
It showed various shots of the star looking glum, as other pros could be heard asking if she was okay.
Nancy would then enthusiastically nod and smile, confirming she is okay, before going back to looking glum.
This was ultimately a skit – with the dancer personally addressing her followers near the end of the clip.
Nancy shared: “How are you all, everyone? It’s Nancy here.
“Thank you so much for all of your kind, love and supportive messages that I’ve been receiving the past few days.
“I am okay. As you all know now, I don’t have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year.
“In the very, very beginning, when I just received the messages, it did upset me and I did feel disappointed.”
She continued: “Coming from China, arriving in this country, all I wanted is to achieve my dream.
“Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills, show my talent.
“Of course, I [felt left out] this year, but I’m good. Because I’m still part of the Strictly family.
“This year, you will possibly hear my voice more than ever because I will give all my energy to supporting my Strictly family. I will be there cheering for them.
“Also, you will see me on It Takes Two, Morning Live – those are good things.
“I just wanted to send you all this video because all of your kindness and messages has meant the world to me.
“I just want you all to know and send all my love to you.”
Former pro Oti Mabuse commented: “Love you angel you are the sweetest friend and most supportive. And it’s a pleasure watching you live your dream every Saturday.”
Kai Widdrington wrote: “You star will always shine bright beautiful Nancy.”
While a fan shared: “We love you Nancy!”
Nancy was paired with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey for the Christmas special last year.
Although Harry – also known as Nitro – has joined this year’s series, he has been partnered up with Karen Hauer.
An insider explained previously: “Nancy is upset that she’s been benched again – despite having a brilliant run with Harry during the Christmas series.
“It’s not the first time it’s happened and she’s said she thinks there may be some kind of deeper issue she’s not aware of.
“She was paired with Jamie Borthwick for the Christmas special in 2023 which they won, and when he joined the main series last year he was put together with Michelle Tsiakkas.
“Nancy understands that she can’t be dancing with the same partner because they’d have a bit of an advantage but she can’t work out why she’s not getting a celebrity.
“She is absolutely incensed by it all and has said she can’t work out what she’s done to make producers snub her – especially because she did so well with Shayne Ward last year.
“Nancy absolutely loves Strictly and gives it her all.
Strictly Come Dance 2025 lineup
Strictly Come Dancing news and the latest line up
- Nitro from Gladiators will be showing off his dance moves on this year’s show.
- Doctor Who and ER star Alex Kingston has signed up.
- Chris Robshaw, former Harlequins and England rugby captain.
- Eastenders actress Suki Panesar, has moved from Walford to the ballroom.
- Neighbours legend Stefan Dennis has been confirmed.
- George Clarke, a YouTube star, joins Strictly.
- Dani Dyer, joins with previous dancing experience.
- La Voix is the first drag star to join the main series
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink swaps is football boots for dancing shoes.
- Ellie Goldstein became the first contestant with Down’s Syndrome to take part.
- Thomas Skinner is swapping the boardroom for ballroom dancing
- I’m a Celeb winner Vicky Pattison has been announced.
- Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope was announced as the last contestant.
- Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn pulled out of the show before the launch date over medical reasons.
“So to be left out in the cold again for this series has been really jarring for her.
“She is letting people know she’s not happy backstage and has been talking about it with the other professionals.”
This year’s series has already seen big changes – with Dani Dyer pulling out after fracturing her ankle.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and iPlayer.
She danced with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on last year’s Christmas special[/caption]
