Strictly Come Dancing Pros Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu Reportedly Fall Out as Backstage Tensions Rise

Strictly Come Dancing has reportedly been hit with backstage drama as longtime friends and professional dancers Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu are no longer on speaking terms.

Once close friends since their childhood in China, the pair has allegedlyallegedly had a surprising falling-out that has left their fellow cast members “shocked.”

The two pros, who previously shared affectionate nicknames and a close bond, have now unfollowed each other on social media, fueling speculation. According to The Sun, tensions backstage have left colleagues stunned.

An insider commented, “The feud between Nancy and Carlos is really sad and has left everyone really shocked. They’ve been close since childhood but have fallen out and unfollowed each other on socials.”

It’s been suggested that Carlos’s disappointment over not being paired with a celebrity partner this season may be a contributing factor.

Meanwhile, Nancy has been busy preparing for performances with her celebrity partner, singer Shayne Ward. Sources indicate that the atmosphere on set has felt “awkward and tense” when both dancers are present, and that Carlos’s absence from a recent live show came as a relief to some.

Another source told MailOnline that despite the rumored fallout, both dancers remain “cordial and incredibly professional on Strictly premises,” maintaining a high standard of conduct on set.

In past seasons, Carlos has partnered with TV presenter Angela Scanlon and EastEnders actress Molly Rainford, but the decision not to pair him with a celebrity this season has reportedly fueled backstage tensions.

However, Carlos and Nancy’s rift isn’t the only source of friction on the Strictly set this season. Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington, who recently ended their two-year romance, are also reportedly struggling to interact comfortably.

According to reports, the ex-couple has avoided standing next to each other on camera. Nadiya has acknowledged that she and Kai “aren’t friends” anymore, which has been noticeable to viewers as they maintain distance in the Clauditorium, where dancers gather during the live show.

Sources told The Sun that the tension between Nadiya and Kai is “painfully obvious” as they go through the “awkward post-breakup phase.” When in the Clauditorium, they reportedly position themselves on opposite sides, and while both wear big smiles for the cameras, insiders describe the atmosphere as “very tense” when they’re together on set.

The BBC has not commented on the reports of tension between the dancers. Representatives for Nadiya and Kai have also been contacted by MailOnline but have not issued a statement.

Nadiya and Kai’s relationship reportedly ended after an intense touring schedule for their show, Behind the Magic, which concluded in June.

The constant pressures of the tour allegedly took a toll on the couple, who “emotionally drifted apart.” In a recent interview with The Mirror, Nadiya revealed that, although she and Kai still work together, they are no longer friends.

She added, “One thing I can tell you is that when you see me dancing with him, it will be amazing because I’m a professional.”

A friend of the former couple shared with The Sun that the pressures of performing back-to-back and spending nearly every moment together had contributed to the relationship’s decline. “It’s heartbreaking,” the friend said.

“Kai and Nadiya seemed like the most perfect couple and have been so, so blissfully in love. But the pressures of touring – being in each other’s space 24/7, and the stress of performing a sell-out show eventually took its toll.”

Despite their personal challenges, Nadiya and Kai have remained professional on Strictly, and both are still part of the ensemble cast.

Rumored conflicts between the two exes, as well as between Carlos and Nancy, have spotlighted behind-the-scenes dynamics, adding new intrigue to this season of Strictly Come Dancing.