Strictly professionals Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu have reportedly been involved in a secret backstage feud, while Johannes has hit back and denied rumours he's been axed.
While Nancy, 34, is still fighting to stay on the BBC dance competition with her celebrity partner Shayne Ward, Carlos, 33, was dropped from the season after not being teamed up with anyone. Recent reports suggest there's been a spat between the two childhood friends, who knew each other from growing up in China.
Carlos said that Nancy was his "favourite sister", while Nancy referred to Carlos as her "baby brother". But their sweet relationship has soured since the start of Strictly, with both dancers digitally wiping each other from their lives.
The pair appeared in an apparent social media reunion this week, showing Carlos and Nancy dancing with Big Brother star Yinrun Huang, who moved to the UK in 2021. She appeared on Big Brother in 2023, in which the fan favourite got to the final.
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@nancy_xuxi/Instagram)Image:
Guy Levy/BBC/PA)But critics have suggested it was all for show, with a source telling 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 added: "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."
"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."
It was also reported in The Sun newspaper that Carlos feels pushed to one side after Nancy secured a spot in the 2024 series of the show. A Strictly Come Dancing insider said: "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 Mirror has reached out to Carlos and Nancy's reps for comment.
Meanwhile, Johannes Radebe has been forced to clarify his future on the show, branding rumours he has been axed "lies".
Johannes, 37, is partnered with Montell Douglas and has been on the show since 2018. He posted a video on Instagram, saying: "I’m not going nowhere. I love @bbcstrictly and I want to do this beautiful show for as long as they want me – and the body will allow it. I have Kinky Boots and other work in the pipeline, yes but nothing will take me away."
He sings the words 'I'm not going anywhere,' before exclaiming: "It's a lie! Liza Minelli lie!" adding: "Why they tell lies about me!"
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