Nancy Xu speaks out as Strictly benching fuels turmoil in a season of upheaval

Nancy Xu, a Strictly Come Dancing professional since 2019, publicly addressed her status on the BBC show after being left without a celebrity partner this year. In a video posted to her social media, she referenced a defiant sketch that began with a voiceover asking if she was okay, then showed her nodding along to the message before pulling a series of sad poses. Xu, who has become one of the longer-tenured pros on the program, did not mince words about how the decision affected her personally and professionally.

She spoke directly to her 76,000 followers, explaining that she was okay but that she would not be dancing with a celebrity this season. The post marked a rare moment in which a Strictly professional publicly questioned the casting process and the allocations of partners amid a season already marked by upheaval. In the message, Xu asserted that she remained committed to the show and would be in the studio every weekend to support her fellow professionals. "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," she wrote. "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." She signed off with the show’s catchphrase, spelling out a final affirmation: "Keeeep dancing."

<img alt="Nancy Xu" src="https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/23/21/102390179-0-image-m-17_1758660187096.jpg" />

The post arrived as the program contends with a slate of casting questions and a sense that veterans may be sidelined while newer pros are paired with celebrities. Fans and fellow professionals quickly chimed in with messages of support. Fellow pro Vito Coppola wrote, "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." Amy Dowden followed with a sentiment that underscored Xu’s stature among colleagues: "your are superstar, a beautiful dancer and so loved." Still, some online observers suggested the show’s approach to benching is uneven, noting the presence of two new pros, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, who were paired with partners while veterans sat out.

The wider context of Xu’s remarks unfolds against a backdrop of mounting disruption inside Strictly Come Dancing. There has been an influx of new professional dancers, and a few familiar faces have found themselves benched in a season already roiled by injuries and cast changes. Gorka Marquez, who has danced on Strictly since 2016, confirmed he would not compete this year as he takes on a judging role on the Spanish version of the franchise. Neil Jones, another longtime pro, has also been left without a partner in 2025, a situation he acknowledged with lighthearted posts but which underscores the show’s ongoing reshuffling.

The turbulence intensified when Dani Dyer, a finalist favorite in prior seasons, announced her withdrawal after fracturing her ankle during training. The Daily Mail reported that Dyer sustained the injury during rehearsals and, after an MRI, would not be able to perform. The decision added pressure on producers, who were already managing an expanded roster of professionals and a contentious pace of celebrity pairings. Executive Producer Sarah James and other BBC Studios executives offered condolences and wished Dyer a swift recovery, while signaling the door remains open for her to return in the future. The removal of Dyer, coupled with other absences and injuries, has sharpened the spotlight on casting choices and the “benching” practices that keep some pros off-screen while others are given partners.

Insiders familiar with the production suggested that Nancy Xu’s frustration runs deeper than a single missed pairing. A tabloid insider claimed Xu was furious after Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey—whom she had partnered with for the Christmas special—was paired with Karen Hauer for the main series. The same source suggested there may be forces at work behind the scenes that have sidelined Xu, even as she excelled with previous partners. Xu’s team has denied any internal leverage or manipulation but acknowledged the challenges of balancing a competitive cast with a large pool of professionals who want opportunities. Xu’s supporters among the Strictly family have urged patience, emphasizing that the show’s structure often reassigns or benches veterans for strategic reasons, while new joiners gain visibility.

The timing of Xu’s comments also comes as the show navigates public scrutiny over the casting process and the balance between star power and professional experience. Some fans have argued that the show could benefit from a more transparent approach to partner assignments, while others have defended the decision as a matter of chemistry, pacing, and the necessity to protect the long-term health of both participants and pros. The production team has not publicly detailed its criteria for partner allocation, citing the complexity of balancing schedules, travel, and celebrity commitments in a grueling televised season. Still, Xu’s outspokenness—especially from a veteran participant who has helped anchor the show’s international appeal—signals that backstage tensions may become a recurring storyline as the series unfolds.

Looking ahead, Nancy Xu appears resolved to remain an active member of the Strictly community, pledging to bring energy to the studio floor and to continue supporting her colleagues. The season’s trajectory remains uncertain as producers weigh how to proceed amid injuries, new pros, and the expectations of a global audience hungry for high-stakes competition and behind-the-scenes drama. While Xu’s personal arc has taken an unexpected turn, the broader narrative of Strictly Come Dancing this year likely will continue to hinge on casting decisions, the health of its participants, and the ability of the show to balance spectacle with the well-being of its professional troupe.