Rumours of a serious backstage feud between two Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers have intensified, with fans and a show source pointing to a series of telling incidents. The focus is on dancers Carlos Gu and Nancy Xu, whose relationship is said to have soured, creating an 'awkward and tense' atmosphere.
The Pivotal Moment That Sparked Fan Speculation
The speculation reached its peak during the emotional climax of the 2025 live final. After Carlos Gu and his celebrity partner, former footballer Karen Carney, were crowned the champions, Carlos delivered a heartfelt victory speech. While fellow pros beamed with pride, viewers quickly noted that Nancy Xu remained conspicuously stone-faced in the background, showing no visible joy for her colleague's triumph.
This moment did not go unnoticed on social media. One fan criticised, stating Nancy should have kept her feelings off-camera. Another directly questioned her apparent disdain, while a third observed she seemed wholly unmoved by Carlos's tears of joy. This visual evidence became the cornerstone for the growing belief that a rift exists between the two dancers.
Digital Clues and Insider Claims Fuel the Fire
The suspicions were compounded by behaviour away from the dancefloor. In a social media post congratulating the finalists, which included YouTuber George Clarke with Alexis Warr and Love Island's Amber Davies with Nikita Kuzmin, Nancy praised Karen Carney but notably did not tag Carlos Gu in her message. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the pair do not follow each other on any social media platforms, a significant detail for two professionals on the same high-profile show.
A source close to the production has added weight to the rumours. They revealed, "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 also described the on-set atmosphere as difficult when both are present, noting there was a sense of relief when Carlos was absent from a show several weeks prior.
Carlos's Response and the Unresolved Tension
In an attempt to quell the growing controversy, Carlos Gu has publicly addressed the rumours. He insisted that their relationship is fine, framing any disagreement within the context of a long-standing, sibling-like bond. "We're fine. We've been friends since childhood, and friends argue, we're too close and are like brother and sister to completely fall out," he stated.
However, his reassurance has done little to convince ardent fans who have watched the saga unfold. The combination of the on-camera reaction during the final, the digital snub, and the corroborating source claims has painted a picture of a genuine professional rift. Whether this is a temporary falling out or a permanent schism remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly become one of the most talked-about off-dancefloor stories of the latest Strictly series.
