BBC Strictly Come Dancing stars 'unfollow each other' as feud erupts backstage

The latest series of Strictly Come Dancing has been hit with drama as two of its professional dancers are reportedly not on speaking terms and have even unfollowed each other on social media platforms. The rift is said to have emerged because Carlos Gu, 33, did not receive a celebrity partner this year, unlike Nancy Xu, 34, who is dancing with Shayne Ward.

The pair, who have known each other since their childhood days in China, previously shared a close bond, with Carlos often calling Nancy his "favourite sister" and her referring to him as her "baby brother."

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However, tensions have risen as Carlos reportedly feels sidelined by Nancy as she dedicates herself to progressing in the competition and aiming for the Glitterball trophy.

A source disclosed to The Sun on Sunday: "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."

The insider continued: "The atmosphere on set is said to be awkward and tense when both are around, and to many it was a relief when Carlos didn't attend the show weeks ago. Carlos is said to be subdued after the falling-out and is also struggling with not getting a celebrity partner. His friends are worried about him as he is so far away from his family."

The drama behind the scenes of Strictly Come Dancing is escalating, with one star completely erasing his former partner from his digital life. A source revealed: "He has wiped all pictures of her from his profile and unfollowing each other on Instagram is the ultimate finality in their friendship. With all the other drama in the Clauditorium, it's the last thing bosses need."

But that's not where the tension ends, reports the Mirror. Pro dancers Kai Wddrington and Nadiya Bychkova are reportedly giving each other a wide berth following their split, while Wynne Evans and his pro dancer Katya Jones are rarely seen together in the Clauditorium. Insiders claim that since Nadiya and Kai's breakup, the atmosphere has been fraught, to the point where they actively avoid standing next to each other.

A source told The Sun: "It's painfully obvious Nadiya and Kai are in the awkward post-break-up phase and struggling to be near one another. When the pair are in the Clauditorium, they're always on opposite sides. Although they may have big smiles on their faces when the cameras are running, it's been very tense between them."

They continued: "They refuse to be near each other at all on set- but there's not much room up there with all the professionals. They just have to do their best to avoid each other every weekend."

Discussing her working dynamic with Kai after their split, Nadiya Bychkova told the Mirror that professionalism is key. She elaborated: "'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."

The Mirror has reached out to Nancy, Carlos, and the BBC for further comments.