Strictly Come Dancing pro Nancy Xu has reportedly been left ‘incensed’ after bosses failed to pair her with a celebrity for the latest series.
The dancer, 34, who joined the show in 2019, is said to be fearful that there may be ‘deeper issues’ that she is not aware of behind the decision, following her previously successful partnerships.
Nancy was paired with Gladiators star and this year’s competitor Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 37, in the 2024 Christmas special, but he has now been coupled with Karen Hauer, 43.
‘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’.
In the 2023 she won the Christmas special with EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick, 31, but during last year’s main show he was paired with pro Michelle Tsiakkas, 30.
Nancy also competed last year with soap star Shayne Ward, 40, before the pair were eliminated in week eight.
Strictly Come Dancing pro Nancy Xu, 34, has reportedly been left ‘incensed’ after bosses failed to pair her with a celebrity for the latest series
Nancy was paired with Gladiators star and this year’s competitor Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, in the 2024 Christmas special, but he has now been paired for the main show with Karen Hauer
‘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. So to be left out in the cold again for this series has been really jarring for her.
Daily Mail have contacted Nancy’s representatives for comment.
BBC declined to comment when approached by Mail Online.
It comes after reports that show bosses put contingency plans in place for pregnant professional Dianne Buswell as she becomes the first pregnant star to compete in the competition.
The dancer, 36, revealed last week that she and boyfriend Joe Sugg, 34, were expecting their first child together – a baby boy – before it was announced she had been paired up for the latest series with Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis, 66.
With reports that Dianne’s baby is due in early 2026 and the Strictly final not until December, she could potentially be dancing right up until her due date, forcing bosses to ensure they have a back up plan.
A source told The Sun: ‘Producers have plans in place, and there are several pros who could easily step in and take over at a moment’s notice, because the show must go on’.
Nancy was paired with Gladiators star and this year’s competitor Harry Aikines-Aryeetey , 37, in the 2024 Christmas special, but he has now been coupled up with Karen Hauer , 43
‘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’ (Pictured with Shayne Ward during 2024 series)
‘The BBC’s primary concern is the health and wellbeing of Dianne and they fully intend to support her through the process with regular check-ins from the welfare team.’
Meanwhile a Strictly source told Daily Mail: ‘This story makes something out of nothing – the plans described have long existed for everyone, and it’s misleading to claim otherwise.’
Ahead of the show launch Dianne gave fans another heartwarming moment as she seemingly paid tribute to her little one.
With her back turned to the camera, Dianne looked effortlessly chic in a sparkling silver dress adorned with shimmering blue tassels, as blue and gold confetti drifted down around her.
She completed the look with a silver choker, blue-and-silver drop earrings, and a sweep of blue eyeliner, which fans believe could be a sweet nod to the baby boy she’s expecting.
Sharing the glamorous snap on Instagram, Dianne wrote: ‘There she goes again officially about to kick of my 9th season.
‘Strictly launch show is on tonight 18.40 @bbcone @bbcstrictly who’s tuning in @jessieefromtheblock.’
Fellow Strictly pros and fans were quick to gush over the glamorous photo in the comments.
Amy Dowden wrote: ‘a very special pic xxxx’; while Vito Coppola added: ‘Wow gorjiii look at those muscles in the back. i don’t have it in this way…ok mamacita!!!! (flame emojis) You look fabulous!!!!!’
Strictly Come Dancing bosses have reportedly put contingency plans in place for pregnant pro Dianne Buswell as she prepares to compete with Neighbours Stefan Dennis
While another fan added: ‘The blue confetti, outfit and eyeliner so so gorg!!’; ‘Another year of support for the BEST person and now her lil boy can’t wait to see all the dances and magic you create as always.’
The striking snap comes shortly after Dianne shared her joyful pregnancy news on Instagram last Sunday.
For their pregnancy reveal video, poignantly set to Elton John’s Tiny Dancer, the couple set up an easel and pretended to paint a picture together, with playful dramatics.
They then picked up the canvas to display it to the camera, revealing a drawing of two stickmen – one with Dianne’s signature flaming red hair – holding hands with a baby.
The couple added that their first child was due in 2026 and even revealed the sex of their little one, declaring they were expecting a son.
STRICTLY LINEUP 2025
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Age: 36
Profession: Olympic Sprinter and Gladiator
Harry says: ‘I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.’
Alex Kingston
Age: 62
Profession: Doctor Who actress
The actress teases: ‘My hips don’t lie.’
Balvinder Sopal
Age: 46
Profession: EastEnders actress
Balvinder says: ‘I’m far too excited to put into words how I feel but I’m incredibly excited at the prospect of dancing across the ballroom.’
La Voix
Age: 45
Profession: Drag performer
She says: ‘Strictly is a national institution and I can’t wait to get started. All that’s left to say is: good luck to my partner! Here’s hoping they can help me go from La Voix into La Danse.’
Thomas Skinner
Age: 34
Profession: Reality star and entrepreneur
He says: ‘Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!’
Vicky Pattison
Age: 37
Profession: Reality TV star
She says: ‘I’m absolutely buzzing to be part of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing line-up… but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t terrified.’
Karen Carney
Age: 38
Profession: Football pundit
She says: ‘I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part.’
George Clark
Age: 25
Profession: YouTuber
He says: ‘Never thought I’d say this… but I’m doing Strictly! Honestly, I’ve got no idea what I’m doing but I’m excited to get stuck in … and potentially fall over a fair bit.’
Dani Dyer
Age: 29
Profession: Reality star, 2018 Love Island winner
Dani says: ‘Getting the opportunity to be on Strictly is the second most amazing thing I’ve done this year! feel very very blessed and cannot wait to get my dancing shoes on.’
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Age: 53
Profession: Former Chelsea and Netherlands striker and ex-England coach.
He says: ‘Swapping the pitch for the ballroom is certainly not something I’ve done before but I’m looking forward to tackling a fun challenge! Bring on a new type of footwork, with hopefully no own goals.’
Ellie Goldstein
Age: 23
Profession: Model, influencer and disability ambassador
She says: ‘It’s a show I’ve loved watching for so long, and the chance to now be part of it feels like a dream’.
Chris Robshaw
Age: 39
Profession: Rugby player
He says: ‘This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad-dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class’.
Stefan Dennis
Age: 66
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘Looking forward to the sparkle and reaching for the sky.’
Ross King
Age: 63
Profession: Showbiz correspondent
He says: ‘I can’t wait to learn from the best, meet my fellow contestants, and, most importantly… try not to step on too many toes!’
Lewis Cope
Age: 30
Profession: Actor
He says: ‘I’m so excited to be swapping the Dales for the dance floor and joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.’
