Behind the glitz and glamour of "Strictly Come Dancing," a real-life drama seems to be unfolding. Professional dancers Carlos Gu and Nancy Xu, once seemingly close friends, have reportedly had a falling out, a rift that's now playing out publicly on social media.

The tension between Carlos and Nancy first surfaced last year, but recent developments suggest the relationship remains strained. Social media sleuths noticed that the pair have unfollowed each other on Instagram, a modern-day signal of discord that speaks volumes in the digital age.

Nancy, 32, confirmed the rift in a recent statement, adding fuel to the speculation that had been swirling among fans of the show. The exact nature of their disagreement remains unclear, but it appears to be more than just a fleeting disagreement.

Adding to the intrigue, Nancy has expressed her disappointment at not being assigned a celebrity partner for the current series of "Strictly Come Dancing." The decision, she admitted, left her feeling "upset and disappointed." This sentiment hints at a deeper unease, suggesting she feels undervalued within the show's dynamic.

Carlos, 34, on the other hand, is partnered with former England footballer Karen Carney this season. The contrast in their situations – Carlos having a partner while Nancy is sidelined – might be exacerbating the existing tension between them.

Previously, Carlos and Nancy were thought to have a very close relationship. The pair, who grew up in China, often spoke fondly of one another, with Carlos even referring to Nancy as his "favorite sister," and Nancy calling him "my baby brother." These terms of endearment only highlight the apparent shift in their relationship.

Last year, rumors swirled that Nancy was unhappy after Carlos failed to get a celebrity dance partner. However, those rumors were denied as nothing more than pure speculation. Now, with both of them no longer following each other, it is not just speculation. There is an obvious falling out between the pair.

To address her fans directly, Nancy posted a video on Instagram. The video starts with shots of her looking glum, while fellow dancers ask if she is okay. Nancy smiles and nods to the camera, before appearing glum again.

The clip ends with Nancy speaking directly to her followers. “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," she said.

Nancy continued, "In the very, very beginning, when I just received the messages, it did upset me and I did feel disappointed. 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."

Despite her disappointment, Nancy emphasized her commitment to supporting her "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."

She also revealed that she will be appearing on "It Takes Two," a companion show to "Strictly Come Dancing," ensuring her presence is still felt throughout the season. "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," she concluded.

Nancy's openness about her feelings has resonated with many, with fellow "Strictly" professionals offering words of encouragement. 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." Dianne Buswell wrote: "You star will always shine bright beautiful Nancy."

The decision to not partner Nancy with a celebrity this year is particularly surprising given her previous success on the show. Last year, she partnered with actor and musician Harry Judd for the "Strictly Come Dancing" Christmas special. Although Harry has since joined the main show, he was paired with a different dancer, further fueling speculation about the reasons behind Nancy's situation.

An insider shared: “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."

The insider continued, "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 Harry."

The "Strictly" insider also explained that 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."

The source added: "She is letting people know she’s not happy backstage and has been talking about it with the other professionals.”

The situation involving Carlos and Nancy serves as a reminder that the world of reality television, even one as seemingly joyous as "Strictly Come Dancing," is not without its complexities and interpersonal dramas.

Whether their friendship can be salvaged remains to be seen, but the public nature of their falling out adds another layer of intrigue to the already captivating world of "Strictly Come Dancing."

Fans of the show will undoubtedly be watching closely to see how these relationships evolve as the season progresses, both on and off the dance floor.

Ultimately, the drama between Carlos and Nancy highlights the pressures and rivalries that can exist even within a seemingly supportive environment, reminding us that even the brightest stars can face challenges behind the scenes.