Strictly's Nancy Xu speaks out on disappointment over not getting a celebrity partner

Professional dancer Nancy Xu has spoken out about not having a celebrity partner on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing ahead of the first live show. It comes after this year's couples were unveiled to viewers just days ago.

It was revealed in the pre-recorded launch, which aired on Saturday, that several pros haven't been matched with a celebrity. They include Nancy, 34, as well as Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Neil Jones. Weeks prior, Gorka Márquez had shared that he wouldn't have a partner.

Following the news of the pairings, it was reported that Nancy had been left "upset" by the situation. She's since shared her thoughts in a video message to fans ahead of the live shows, which are scheduled to start this weekend.

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Nancy shared a video on Instagram tonight. It began with clips of her being asked if she was "okay" by co-stars. She was seen saying "yeah" and smiling in response to the concerns in the skit before looking downcast each time.

Then, in a message to viewers, Nancy expressed gratitude for the support that she has received lately. She shared that she felt "disappointed" initially but she assured fans that she's "good" because she's still part of the Strictly "family".

Nancy said: "Thank you so much for all of your kind, love and supportive messages that I've received in the past few days. I am okay. I am okay. As you all know now, I don't have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year."

She said: "In the very beginning, when I just received the messages, it [did] upset me and [I] felt disappointed." Nancy, who joined the BBC show in 2019, said about having moved to the UK from China: "All I wanted is to achieve my dream."

Nancy continued: "Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills, show my talents. Of course, I felt this year has been left out but I'm good because I'm still part of the Strictly family."

She went on to say in the message shared this week: "This year you will possibly hear my voice more than ever because I will give all my energy to support all my Strictly family. I will be there cheering for them." Nancy, who will still be part of the group numbers, teased that she will be on It Takes Two and Morning Live too.

Nancy said that messages from fans "mean the world" to her before saying that she was "sending all her love" to them. She concluded: "The weather's getting cold, please keep yourself warm. Remember, keep dancing!"

In the caption that accompanied the video, Nancy wrote in the post: "Thank you all for all your love, kind and supportive messages in the past few days! It has meant a world."

She was met with support from fans and colleagues in the comments section. Michelle wrote: "We love you and I'm here for you my girl! We've got each other." Amy Dowden said: "You are superstar, a beautiful dancer and so loved."

Vito Coppola wrote: "We love you Xu and I am sure all your dreams will come true. You are never alone, we are always together. Thank you for supporting us and for being the rarest friend that everyone would want in their life, I consider myself lucky to have you in mine. See you soon Xuuuu))))))." Whilst Kai Widdrington said: "Your star will always shine bright beautiful Nancy."

It marks the first time that Nancy hasn't had a partner on the main show in five years. It's however the second time that she's not reunited with a celebrity from a Christmas special, as her partners from the last two of them have both returned for the main show but with other pros instead.

Nancy was a runner-up in last year's special with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who is now competing with Karen Hauer on the main series this year. Similarly, Nancy won the Christmas special in 2023 with former EastEnders cast member Jamie Borthwick, but he was then partnered with Michelle when he competed on Strictly last year.

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