Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Nancy Xu has responded to claims she's "upset" over being "left out" of this year's series, by not being given a celebrity partner, in new candid video.
Earlier this week it was reported Nancy was "upset" over Strictly's decision not to give her a celebrity partner and compete as part of the main series. The Sun claimed Nancy was feeling like she had been "benched", with a source claiming: "Nancy is upset that she’s been benched again - despite having a brilliant run with Harry during the Christmas series.
“It’s not the first time it’s happened and she’s said she thinks there may be some kind of deeper issue she’s not aware of."
For context, every year a few of the professionals are not given partners and this year Nancy, along with Neil Jones, Michelle Tsiakkas, and Luba Mushtuk also didn't get partners.
And now Nancy has responded to these claims, speaking out on her own Instagram. In a video she said she was initially disappointed not to be competing with a partner, before going onto thank Strictly for the opportunities she's had.
She said: "Thank you so much for all your kind and supportive messages that I've been receiving in the past few days. I am ok, as you all know now, I don't have a dance partner, on Strictly Come Dancing this year.
"In the very beginning when I just received the messages, it does upset me and I do feel disappointed, coming from China and arriving in this country, all I wanted is to achieve my dream and Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills and to show my talents, so of course this year, I feel, left out.
"I'm good, because I'm still part of the show and this year you'll probably hear my voice more than ever, because I'll give all my energies to support all my Strictly families. Keeeep dancing."
Watch the full video here:
After posting the video Nancy received support from her fellow professional dancers, who all praised her dancing abilities.
Vito Coppola commented underneath her post: "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))))))"
And fellow professional Amy Dowden also commented, saying: "💖💖💖💖💖 your are superstar, a beautiful dancer and so loved xxx"
Nancy will still be on our screens for this year's Strictly along with the other professional dancers as part of the Sunday shows which usually feature a group performance from all the professionals.
Strictly Come Dancing starts on 27 September on BBC One and BBC iPlayer
