Strictly's Carlos Gu breaks silence on feud with Nancy Xu as he admits backstage row

Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers Carlos Gu and Nancy Xu have fallen out backstage on the dance competition and now Carlos has broken silence on his co-star.

The professional dancers both grew up in China and have been friends since childhood but now they are reportedly not on speaking terms and have unfollowed each other on social media as their row escalates. It is believed that tensions grew after Carlos was disappointed at now being partnered with a celebrity for the latest Strictly series.

Breaking his silence on the row with Nancy, Carlos insisted to that he was 'fine' with his co-star and dismissed any notions that there was an ongoing feud. He said: "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."

A show insider told that the situation backstage was difficult. They said: "They've been close since childhood, but have fallen out and unfollowed each other on socials. 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."

Another source told MailOnline that the pro dancers are "extremely cordial and always incredibly professional on Strictly premises".

In previous seasons of Strictly, Carlos has been paired with star Molly Rainford and TV presenter but has not been given a celebrity this time around. The Strictly insider added: "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 is the ultimate finality in their friendship. With all the other drama in the Clauditorium, it’s the last thing bosses need."

The has reached out to Carlos and Nancy's reps for comment.

Meanwhile, Nancy's celebrity dance partner, former winner Shayne Ward, has had to defend himself against online trolls since his first dance on the show, after viewers labelled him too "cocky" following his Strictly debut.

Shayne and appeared to address the criticism on Instagram alongside a solemn black and white photo of himself, which he shared with his followers. He wrote in the caption: "Strictly is amazing and I love being part of it. But through my smile on TV I'm as nervous as the next person. Not cocky or overconfident... I'm nervous! I just gotta work hard and listen to my wonderful teacher [Nancy]. All I can do is my best!"

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