Strictly pro Nancy Xu ‘incensed’ after being snubbed by BBC bosses and left without a celebrity partner amid fears there may be ‘deeper issues’ behind the decision

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Nancy Xu, a professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, is said to be very upset that she wasn’t partnered with a celebrity contestant this season.

The 34-year-old dancer, who started on the show in 2019, is worried there might be hidden reasons behind the decision, especially since she’s had successful partnerships in the past.

On the 2024 Christmas special of the show, Nancy danced with athlete Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, 37. However, for the current season, Harry has been partnered with Karen Hauer, 43.

Nancy is frustrated about being left out of the game again, especially since she and Harry played so well together during the Christmas series. This isn’t the first time this has happened, and she suspects there might be an underlying reason she doesn’t understand.

She won the Christmas special in 2023 with Jamie Borthwick, 31, from EastEnders. However, in the main show last year, he danced with professional dancer Michelle Tsiakkas, 30.

Nancy previously competed on the show last year with actor Shayne Ward, 40, but they were eliminated after eight weeks.

She’s really angry and confused about being overlooked, and doesn’t understand why the producers have rejected her, particularly since she had a successful partnership with Shayne Ward last year.

Nancy is a huge fan of Strictly and always puts her heart into it, so she was really upset to not be included in this season’s lineup.

Daily Mail have contacted Nancy’s representatives for comment.

BBC declined to comment when approached by Mail Online. 

This follows reports indicating that show officials prepared backup plans for professional dancer Dianne Buswell, who is the first competitor to continue in the show while pregnant.

Dancer Dianne Buswell, 36, recently shared that she and her partner, Joe Sugg, 34, are expecting a baby boy. This announcement came shortly before it was revealed she’d be dancing with actor Stefan Dennis, 66, on the latest season of a show.

Dianne is expecting her baby in early 2026, and since the *Strictly* final isn’t until December, she might be able to continue dancing throughout her pregnancy. This means show bosses need to prepare a plan in case she needs to step down before the finale.

According to a source, show producers are prepared with several experienced replacements who could quickly take over if needed, ensuring the show continues without interruption.

The BBC’s top priority is Dianne’s health and wellbeing, and they plan to fully support her with ongoing check-ins from their welfare team.

A source close to Strictly Come Dancing told the Daily Mail that the story is a non-issue, explaining that the reported plans have been public knowledge for quite some time and it’s inaccurate to suggest otherwise.

Before the show began, Dianne shared a sweet moment with fans that appeared to be a loving nod to her baby.

Dianne looked stunningly stylish in a silver dress with shimmering blue tassels, as blue and gold confetti floated around her. We only see her from the back.

She finished her outfit with a silver necklace, dangling blue and silver earrings, and blue eyeliner. Many fans think the blue color might be a subtle hint about her baby boy on the way.

Dianne shared a glamorous photo on Instagram, announcing the start of her ninth season with the caption: ‘Here we go again!’

Don’t miss the premiere of Strictly Come Dancing tonight at 6:40 PM on BBC One! Are you watching with Jessie J? #strictly

Fellow Strictly pros and fans were quick to gush over the glamorous photo in the comments. 

Amy Dowden shared a photo with a simple message, ‘a very special pic.’ Vito Coppola responded with enthusiastic praise, admiring her physique and playfully acknowledging his own different build, finishing with compliments like ‘You look fabulous!’

Fans also praised the performer’s look, with one writing, ‘The blue confetti, outfit, and eyeliner were amazing!’ Another shared their ongoing support, adding, ‘I’ll continue to support the best, and her son is excited to watch her perform and create magic as always.’

The surprising photo was posted soon after Dianne announced she was expecting on Instagram last Sunday.

To announce their pregnancy, the couple created a sweet video set to Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” They playfully pretended to paint a picture together on an easel, adding some dramatic flair.

They held up the canvas for the camera, and it showed a simple drawing: two stick figures holding hands, with one having bright red hair like Dianne’s, and a baby between them.

The couple shared that they’re expecting their first child in 2026, and it’s a boy!

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2025-09-22 12:53