Strictly Come Dancing professionals Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu were seen awkwardly keeping their distance in the Clauditorium during a recent live episode. Reports surfaced claiming that the pair, who have been close since childhood, have had a shocking falling out and are now refusing to speak behind the scenes. Tensions have apparently led them to unfollow each other on social media, and their fellow pros have been left shocked by the situation. Nancy made sure to stand on the far left with her celebrity partner Shayne Ward during the debrief with host Claudia, while Carlos was seen standing far away on the other side of Claudia, supporting Amy Dowden after she returned to the show following a health scare. The atmosphere backstage is said to be awkward and tense whenever Nancy and Carlos are around, with a source revealing that Carlos was disappointed not to be paired with a celebrity this season.
The situation between Nancy and Carlos is not the only one causing tensions among the Strictly professionals. Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington have recently split, and they are reportedly refusing to stand next to each other on screen. Nadiya has stated that she isn’t friends with her former partner, and the pair have been seen standing noticeably apart in the Clauditorium during live shows. The BBC has refused to comment on the situation, and representatives for Nadiya and Kai have not provided any statements. The couple reportedly ended their two-year romance due to emotional drifting and the pressures of touring together. Nadiya has mentioned that they will continue to work together on Strictly and maintain a professional relationship.
Amidst the tension and drama behind the scenes, the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard for Icons week showed some stellar performances. JB Gill and Lauren Oakley received the highest score for their Couple’s Choice to a Bruno Mars medley. Tasha Ghouri and Aljaz Skorjanec, Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola, and Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe also delivered strong performances on the night. However, Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu received a lower score for their Quickstep to The Beatles’ “Help!” Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas, Wynne Evans and Katya Jones, Chris McCausland and Diane Buswell, Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin, as well as Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal also showcased their dance skills during the episode.
The tension between Nancy and Carlos seems to have escalated following Carlos’s disappointment at not being paired with a celebrity this season, while Nancy has been busy rehearsing with Shayne Ward. The atmosphere on set is described as tense and awkward when both professionals are around, with many relieved when Carlos did not attend a show weeks ago. Despite the reports of a falling out, a separate source has claimed that both Carlos and Nancy remain cordial and professional at Strictly premises. The situation mirrors that of Nadiya and Kai, who are also navigating a post-breakup working relationship on the show. The atmosphere among the professionals backstage appears to be complex and layered with personal dynamics affecting their interactions.
As tensions among the Strictly professionals continue to rise, the dynamics on set are reflective of the complex relationships that can develop in high-pressure environments. With reports of falling outs, unfollowed social media accounts, and visible distance between former partners, the Strictly Come Dancing backstage drama adds an extra layer of intrigue to the glitzy and glamorous show. The competitive nature of the dance competition combined with personal relationships and professional partnerships creates a unique dynamic that keeps audiences and fans of the show engaged and invested in the lives of the performers. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these interpersonal dynamics continue to play out and impact the performances on the dance floor.
