Strictly viewers have spotted a very tense moment between professional stars Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu, who are said to have had a falling out last year
Strictly Come Dancing fans have spotted a tense moment between two stars – when Nancy Xu appeared to be annoyed moments before Carlos Gu and Karen Carney were announced as this year’s winners. Nancy, 34, has reportedly been locked in a feud with Carlos, 32, since last year amid claims that the pair had fallen out.
But there was one sign this weekend that appeared to back the speculation. As Karen and Carlos spoke to host Claudia Winkleman, there appeared to be tension brewing in the studio. Elated by their performance ahead of taking home the Glitterball Trophy, Carlos and Karen were both extremely emotional.
Carlos told Claudia that Karen had unlocked his inner “team player” throughout their time on the show. He said: “I came to Strictly after competing live.
“I was self-centred, I was me, me, me. It’s no wonder I didn’t get a partner last year because I’m not grateful.” But Nancy, who this year didn’t have a famous partner, didn’t look impressed as she wrapped her arm around Johannes Radebe.
As the moment aired on screens, fans instantly took to social media to share their thoughts with one writing: “Could Nancy even attempt to hide her dislike for Carlos?” A second penned: “If you don’t like him then stay out of camera shot and keep your feelings to yourself.”
“Nancy so not bothered by Carlos’s tears,” said a third. A fourth typed: “‘No wonder I didn’t get a partner last year.’ Bit of a dig at Nancy, Luba and Neil. For context, Nancy and Carlos were BFFs until a big fallout last year, I think it was.”
However, after Karen and Carlos were announced as the winners, Nancy appeared to offer an olive branch. Sharing a snap of this year’s stars on Instagram, she said: “Congratulations for all the final couples! And Well‑deserved Winner @kazcarney and Carlos. Thank you for all the tears and laughing Strictly 2025.”
But she failed to tag Carlos in the post, which didn’t go unnoticed. One follower said in the comments: “Brilliant series! Shame there seems to be a bad atmosphere between you and Carlos. I guess, in my ideal world, I want you all to be BFFs.” “Now Nancy is not tagging Carlos in her post for Karen. They clearly had a big fallout,” commented another.
Meanwhile, a third said: “Gutted Nancy and Carlos are no longer friends. I hope the final has made them patch things up.” Carlos and Nancy met as children and instantly became close friends. At one point, he said she was his “favourite sister,” while Nancy also called Carlos her “baby brother.”
However, last year the pair unfollowed one another on social media. It was also reported that they would avoid speaking to one another backstage on the BBC One dancing competition. Meanwhile, Nancy was said to be extremely disappointed this year after not getting matched with a celebrity.
It was claimed she was “absolutely incensed” having performed well during the Christmas special, which aired almost a year ago to the day.
The Mirror has approached Nancy’s spokesperson for comment.
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