Strictly Stars Carlos Gu and Nancy Xu Unfollow Each Other as Backstage Feud Boils Over—Insiders Say Nancy Is “Incensed” After Being Snubbed Again

Strictly Come Dancing’s glittering ballroom has been rocked by a dramatic falling out between two of its most beloved professional dancers. Carlos Gu, 32, and Nancy Xu, 34, have officially unfollowed each other on social media, reigniting rumours of a bitter feud that’s left fans—and fellow pros—stunned.

The pair, who both grew up in China and once referred to each other as “favourite sister” and “baby brother,” were previously inseparable. But last year, their friendship hit the skids after Carlos failed to secure a celebrity partner for the series. Insiders revealed the duo were refusing to speak backstage, with tensions running high between the former Strictly besties.

Carlos Gu and Nanxy Xu still appear to be on frosty terms after their fallout last year
Now, the drama has reached new heights. Carlos is set to dance with ex-England footballer Karen Carney, 38, while Nancy has been benched yet again—despite her sparkling run with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey on last year’s Christmas special.

Nancy broke her silence yesterday with a heartfelt Instagram video, admitting she was “upset and disappointed” not to have a celebrity partner this season. The clip showed Nancy looking glum as other pros asked if she was okay, before she rallied with a brave smile and reassured fans she would be supporting her Strictly family from the sidelines.

“In the very, very beginning, when I just received the messages, it did upset me and I did feel disappointed,” Nancy confessed.
“Of course, I [felt left out] this year, but I’m good. Because I’m still part of the Strictly family.”

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Nancy said she was ‘upset and disappointed’ to not have a celebrity partner this seriesCredit: Instagram/nancy_xuxi

Strictly stars rushed to support Nancy online, with former pro Oti Mabuse calling her “the sweetest friend” and Kai Widdrington assuring, “Your star will always shine bright beautiful Nancy.” But noticeably absent was Carlos, who has yet to publicly comment or show support—further fuelling speculation that the rift between the two is far from healed.

Sources close to the show say Nancy is “absolutely incensed” at being snubbed by producers and has been vocal backstage about her frustration.

“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,” an insider revealed.
“She is letting people know she’s not happy backstage and has been talking about it with the other professionals.”

Nancy’s disappointment comes despite her track record of success—she won last year’s Christmas special with Jamie Borthwick, only to be overlooked for the main series.

“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,” the insider added.

Meanwhile, Carlos is keeping a low profile, focusing on his new partnership with Karen Carney and steering clear of social media drama. The pair’s mutual unfollowing on Instagram has not gone unnoticed by eagle-eyed fans, sparking a flurry of speculation about what really went wrong.

As Strictly gears up for another dazzling series, the backstage tension between Carlos and Nancy threatens to overshadow the sparkle on the dancefloor. Will the former friends find a way to bury the hatchet—or is this Strictly friendship destined to remain on ice?

For now, one thing is certain: behind the sequins and smiles, Strictly’s ballroom is anything but harmonious.