Behind the glitz and glamour of Strictly Come Dancing, a behind-the-scenes drama is reportedly unfolding. Professional dancer Nancy Xu has found herself without a celebrity partner for the main series, igniting frustration and sparking questions among fans and fellow dancers alike.
The news has reverberated through the Strictly community, prompting speculation about the reasons behind this decision. Sources close to Xu suggest she feels there might be underlying factors contributing to her repeated absence from the main pairings – factors she may not even be aware of.
This isn't the first time Xu has experienced this. Last year, she partnered with Shayne Ward, but this year Ward has been partnered with someone else. This decision has reportedly stirred discontent backstage, with insiders claiming Xu is disheartened by being sidelined once again.
The situation is further complicated by Xu's success in the Christmas series. In 2023, she danced with Harry and won the competition. Despite that triumph, she wasn't paired with him for the main series either.
One insider revealed, "Nancy is upset that she's been benched again – despite having a brilliant run with Harry during the Christmas series." This sentiment underscores the confusion and disappointment Xu is reportedly experiencing.
Xu is said to understand the need for partner rotations to maintain fairness. Pairing a professional with the same celebrity twice could create an unfair advantage, given their established rapport and familiarity with each other's styles.
However, what puzzles Xu is the apparent lack of opportunity to dance with any celebrity in the main series. "She can't work out why she's not getting a celebrity," the insider added, highlighting the core of her frustration.
The dancer is reportedly "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." This feeling of being overlooked, despite her demonstrable talent and dedication, is clearly weighing heavily on her.
Xu's passion for Strictly is well-known. She "absolutely loves Strictly and gives it her all," the source emphasized. Her commitment to the show and her craft makes the current situation all the more disheartening.
The insider further stated, "So to be left out in the cold again for this series has been really jarring for her." The impact of this decision on Xu's morale and sense of belonging within the Strictly family is undeniable.
Backstage, Xu has reportedly voiced her discontent, sharing her feelings with other professional dancers. "She is letting people know she's not happy backstage and has been talking about it with the other professionals," the insider confirmed.
The situation has also resonated with viewers of the BBC dancing show, many of whom have taken to social media to express their support for Xu and question the show's decision-making process.
One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, "Nancy dances with Jamie for Christmas special (and wins) – She doesn't get him as partner next year. Nancy dances with Harry for Christmas special – She doesn't get him as partner next year."
This fan further observed a pattern: "Whoever Nancy gets for Christmas special won't be on Strictly next year." This observation adds another layer to the mystery surrounding Xu's lack of a main series partner.
Another commenter on X echoed the sentiment of many fans, wondering about the criteria for partner selection: "I wonder how they pick who'll have a partner and who won't, it must be annoying for them when new pros come and get partners but they're benched again."
The pairing process on Strictly is often shrouded in secrecy, leading to speculation and occasional controversy. While some factors, like height compatibility and dance styles, are obvious considerations, the full equation remains unclear.
The issue highlights the inherent complexities of managing a large cast of professional dancers and celebrities, each with their own ambitions and expectations. Balancing these elements requires careful consideration and sensitivity.
Adding to the conversation, in the previous season, Nancy partnered with pop star Shayne Ward. While their performances were well-received, they were the seventh couple to be eliminated from the competition. This result may be considered a factor but that is not confirmed.
Strictly Come Dancing, while a beloved entertainment program, operates within a competitive environment. Dancers are constantly striving for recognition and the opportunity to showcase their talents to the widest possible audience.
The producers of Strictly Come Dancing have yet to release an official statement addressing the situation with Nancy Xu. It remains to be seen whether they will offer any clarification or explanation for their decision.
For now, the future of Nancy Xu on the main series of Strictly Come Dancing remains uncertain. Whether she will be given another chance to shine on the dance floor is a question that many fans are eagerly awaiting the answer to.
This situation serves as a reminder that behind the smiles and sparkling costumes, there are real people with real emotions navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry.