BBC Strictly pro dancers fuel feud rumours as they take drastic steps amid backstage fall-out
WATCH HERE: Nancy Xu defends Shayne Ward's efforts on Strictly Come Dancing during Loose Women interview
ITV
Strictly Come Dancing may be known for its warmth and glitz, but there is rarely a shortage of fireworks going on behind the scenes, particularly this year.
After a year rocked by a misconduct scandal, it seems there has also been an internal fall-out between two of the key professionals.
Carlos Gu, 31 and Nancy Xu, 33, are both favourites on the hit competition series, and were also childhood friends.
Their closeness was once apparent in their on-screen interactions as well as their social media posts displaying their backstage friendship, but it seems the two have drifted apart in recent months.
Eagle-eyed fans have picked up on the fact the pair have stopped following each other on social media, a bizarre move considering how they used to feature in each others' posts.
It's now being speculated the dancers are involved in a rift, but reasons for the recent distance between the former friends remain a mystery.
In January of this year, Xu shared a heartfelt post to mark Gu's birthday, labelling him her "baby brother".
"This baby, I just wanted to wish you nothing but all the happiness, love, and health," she began, continuing: "Be as fabulous and kind as you are."
The Instagram post went on: "Love you very much and deeply. Thank you for being one of the special souls that I can call friend and baby brother. [kiss emojis] Having the best day, as I know. WE WILL MAKE IT AS IT SHOULD." (sic)
Responding, Gu commented: "Thank you my favourite sister."
Carlos Gu hasn't been paired with a celebrity this year
BBC
While there doesn't seem to be an obvious reason for the apparent feud, The Sun claims the "atmosphere is set to be awkward".
Gu hasn't been paired with a celebrity partner for this series but is still appearing in the professional group dances and is on camera each Saturday offering support to the performing couples.
He has seemingly removed all traces of Xu from his social media accounts.
Meanwhile, other rumoured rifts from this series also includes former couple Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington, who split earlier in the year following a two-year romance.
The two professional dancers began a relationship in 2022, but announced their breakup during the summer.
Bychkova, 35, made her feelings clear last month when she stated "we are not friends" when asked about Widdrington, 29.
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Nancu Xu has been partnered with singer Shayne Ward in the current Strictly Come Dancing series
BBC
When asked about her former romance, she commented: "We work together but we are not friends and that’s ok."
"One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him it will be amazing because I’m a professional," she added while talking to The Mirror.
She made the comments as she arrived at this year's Pride of Britain Awards, which was filmed in October.
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