Strictlys

Chris Robshaw was a novice to dancing when he joined the Strictly Come Dancing line-up, but his partner Nadiya thinks he has what it takes to overcome the disadvantage

Former Rugby Union player, Chris Robshaw, 39, stepped out of his comfort zone when he signed up to BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, having never danced in his life – except at his wedding.

This year, many have criticised the unfair advantage in dancing experience, with stars such as Amber Davies, 28, and Lewis Cope, 30, having performed in the West End.

However, Chris’ professional partner, Nadiya Bychkova, 36, thinks he has everything it takes to overcome the disadvantage. “Chris is taking all the information on board. He just needs a few more weeks to kind of get to the point, and then I think he’ll be really ready to perform the way I think he can to his full abilities,” she says.

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“It’s the experience of knowing how to do that, which is completely new and which you can’t get overnight, but I think this is what the show is about, for people who never danced before.

“We often don’t get to see it because like people who don’t have this experience would sometimes leave the show earlier, which is really sad because there is often so much talent in there, and it’s always so nice for the audience to see it.”

After the first live show last Saturday, Chris’ wife Camilla took to social media to address the ‘wild’ difference in the contestants’ dancing abilities.

“Proud forever. Up against people with years of experience when you’ve never even done a 2 step, opening the whole season and starting with one of the hardest dances going,” she penned.

Later, she responded to a comment from Love Island star Amber Gill, 28, who penned: “Unpopular opinion: I think having people with so much dance experience is unfair.”

Speaking on his wife’s comment, Chris said: “I love my wife and she’s my biggest supporter. She wants us to do well in the competition, and that’s kind of it really.”

On what he thinks of the range of dancing abilities, Chris added: “It is what it is, isn’t it? In SAS you could say I was fitter than some of the other people, and then that’s kind of it.”

Chris was forced to pull out of Celebrity SAS with a shoulder injury – but luckily has avoided any injuries during his time on Strictly.

This series was thrown into chaos when two contestants were forced to pull out before the first live show even started.

Just days after the line-up was announced, Game of Thrones star Kristian Nairn revealed he would be stepping back from the series due to unexpected medical reasons, which he said were a “high level of stress and a little bit of grief” that manifested physically.

Soon after, it was revealed that he’d be replaced by Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, who played the character Michael in the West End production of Billy Elliot: The Musical.

Then, just days before the live shows were about to start, Love Island’s Dani Dyer revealed she’d been forced to pull out due to a fractured ankle.

She was replaced with former Love Islander and West End star Amber Davies, who, with just days to practiced received an impressive 27/40 in her debut dance.

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Craig Revel Horwood nearly slipped and fell on Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing as he attempted his favourite routine and fans at home flooded social media with their reaction

Craig Revel Horwood nearly slipped and fell on Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing. The professional dancer, 60, was back in his seat on the judging panel alongside Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke where he had spent much of the evening dishing out his typically-acerbic critique to celebrities like Thomas Skinner, Vicky Pattison and Ross King.

Just before Balvinder Sopal, who is known to fans of BBC soap EastEnders for playing Suki Panesar on the long-running programme, took to the stage, Craig leapt out of his seat once it became apparent that his ‘favourite’ routine was about to be performed. The TV star is a huge fan of the Charletson, and excitedly skipped around in front of the cameras.

Tess Daly was just about to introduce Balvinder to the stage, and laughed as Craig excitedly performed a few seconds of the famous routine. But the move didn’t necessarily go down too well with viewers at home as they noticed straight away that he almost lost his footing.

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One fan wrote on X: “Craig being iconic but also nearly slipping there,” whilst another said: “Craig nearly slipping lmfaoooo” A third simply asked: “What the hell was that Craig?” whilst a fourth said: “Thought i was about to watch Craig faceplant onto the floor there for a sec.” Another added: “What was that all about with Craig? Really cringe & annoying,get back in your box mate!”

Balvinder then took to the stage alongside her professional partner Julian Caillon to perform the dance, all set to Been Like This by Meghan Trainor. They received a score of 30, made up of two sevens and two eights.

But Craig’s dancing moment wasn’t the only thing fans issued a complaint over during the second live show of this year’s series. As soon as the programme began, viewers took issue with the fact that presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly do not get their own introduction, even though the judges do.

One wrote: “Okay…..no intros for Tess and Claudia” and another said: “So Tess and Claudia don’t get introduced anymore” In agreement, a third viewer said: “I hate the way Tess and Claudia don’t get an intro now but the judges do!”

It was Amber Davies‘ night in the end, though, as the former Love Island winner and musical theatre star topped the leaderboard with a score of 56, when combining her scores from this week and the first week of the show.

To make things extra special for the West End actress, she celebrated her 29th birthday on Saturday and was surprised with a cake that came with a picture of her and her professional partner Kai Widdrington printed onto it. Just hours before the show, he surprised her with a large bouquet of flowers along with a Happy Birthday balloon.

The moment was captured on video, and Amber, who will star as Elle Woods in next year’s UK tour of Legally Blonde: The Musical, captioned the Instagram post saying: “Little me would never believe I would be celebrating my last birthday in my twenties on the Strictly ballroom dancefloor.”

She added: “Golden star for the most fab pro partner ever @nikita__kuzmin !!! He remembered guys best birthday EVER !!!! @bbcstrictly (he did infact say happy 40th birthday whilst handing me this gift..) Thank you so much for all the birthday love, time to celebrate with a SAMBAAAAA.”

And friends and family wasted no time in sending their best wishes to Amber. One person wrote: “Happy birthday beautiful!!! What a special day it’s going to be! The last year of your twenties is going to be the best

Meanwhile, It Takes Two’s roving reporter and former Strictly finalist Tasha Ghouri wrote: “Happy birthday lovely!! ” And Sue Davies, Amber’s mother, penned: “A very special birthday my girl love you so much .”

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Strictly Come Dancing professional Amy Dowden has opened up about her cancer journey, admitting that it can be ‘very difficult’ and ‘worrying’ at times

Amy Dowden has opened up about a “difficult” part of her cancer journey, admitting it was “worrying”. The Strictly Come Dancing star was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023.

The Welsh dancer revealed she was initially scheduled for a lumpectomy after doctors discovered the tumour. This surgical procedure involves removing just the cancerous lumps and some surrounding tissue.

Cancer Research UK explains that this is often the chosen route when the tumour only affects one area of the breast. However, an MRI scan revealed that Amy, 35, had more tumours than first thought.

This led to doctors deciding she would need to undergo a full mastectomy. Speaking on the Breast Cancer Uncovered podcast, Amy confessed that making such quick decisions about your health can be “very difficult”.

She shared: “For me everything happened so quickly, at first I was having a lumpectomy and then after my MRI, there were more tumours so I needed a mastectomy, and all of a sudden you’re trying to make these decisions so quickly and you’re not really thinking rationally because you’re so emotional, it’s very difficult within the time.

“I do think it’s so important to be given all your options and to understand fully. I also didn’t know what I was going to wake up with, that’s quite worrying and scary as well.

“I didn’t know if it was going to wake up with it open or closed, I didn’t know if I was going to have an expander in, or an implant. Even going down to surgery, and I wanted the honesty, you don’t know what you are going to wake up with or what it’s going to look like.”

Amy’s cancer diagnosis forced her to sit out the 2023 series of Strictly following chemotherapy treatment.

In February last year, Amy revealed medics told her they discovered “no evidence of the disease” in her body, paving the way for her Strictly comeback.

She made her return to the programme a year ago, paired with JLS singer JB Gill. However, she was rushed to hospital in October, pulling out of the competition on November 4.

At the time, a Strictly spokesperson said: “Sadly, Amy Dowden MBE will not be partaking in the rest of the competition this year. While Amy focuses on her recovery following a foot injury, fellow professional dancer Lauren Oakley will step in as JB’s dance partner.

“The health and wellbeing of everyone involved in Strictly are always the utmost priority. The whole Strictly family sends Amy love and well wishes.”

Caerphilly-born Amy has made her comeback to the current series of Strictly, teamed up with former Apprentice hopeful Tom Skinner.

The reality TV personality said: “I’m beyond excited to be joining Strictly Come Dancing. I’ve tackled the boardroom and some big breakfasts in my time but stepping onto the dance floor under that glitter ball is next level stuff!

“I’ve never danced in my life (other than at weddings) but I’m ready to graft and of course have a laugh. Bring on the sequins, sambas and most importantly, the BOSH to the ballroom!”.

Ruth Langsford has opened up about her time on Strictly Come Dancing, admitting that she often felt ‘really rubbish’ and would ‘always burst into tears’ behind-the-scenes

Ruth Langsford has disclosed that whilst her former dance partner Anton Du Beke may appear to be “a laugh”, there’s another side to his character that Strictly Come Dancing fans might not recognise.

In an exclusive chat, the former This Morning presenter confessed that she frequently felt “really rubbish” backstage, as she measured herself against other competitors, including Debbie McGee and Gemma Atkinson, who had advanced to become “so good” on the dance floor.

Luckily, Ruth had the backing of Strictly professional-turned-judge Anton, who provided a shoulder to lean on during her difficult moments, describing their bond as “the best thing” to emerge from her time on the BBC programme.

The Loose Women host revealed: “I always want people to know that, Anton’s such a laugh – he’s laugh, laugh, laugh – but he’s the kindest man.”

Ruth added: “I was always bursting into tears as the show went on, because it gets hard and everyone’s so good, and then I would feel really rubbish because I would think, ‘I can’t do it’. And he’d go, ‘you’re fine’.”

“I felt like I was letting him down, but he never criticised me, he was just fun, and in fact, sometimes we’d do a step and he’d say, ‘that’s good’ and I’d go, ‘oh thanks’ and he’d say, ‘it’s not what I taught you, but it’s good!’ And he just made me laugh!”.

Ruth proceeded to disclose that Anton possessed the ideal technique to soothe her nerves when things weren’t working out in the rehearsal studio.

She remembered: “If he ever said, ‘no, no, because we’re supposed to be going right’, and then he’d look at me, and my bottom lip would start to tremble, and I’m about to cry, he’d be like, ‘right, come on, cup of tea!’ Honestly, the nicest man.”

Ruth was also brimming with praise for Anton’s abilities as part of Strictly’s judging panel, where he has been seated alongside Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas and Motsi Mabuse since 2021.

Nevertheless, Anton’s elevation on Strictly means he won’t be able to take part in the competition anymore, which Ruth believes is the sole drawback, as she would be keen to “have another go” with her mate alongside her.

She declared: “Let me have another go with Anton! I can’t now, because he’s a judge.

“I’m so delighted he’s a judge, he’s a very good judge, but I always say to him, ‘I think they should let you have another go, I think I’d be better at it!'”.

Ruth just missed out on reaching Blackpool with Anton in 2017, after facing the feared dance-off against Jonnie Peacock and Oti Mabuse, whilst Joe McFadden and Katya Jones ultimately claimed the Glitterball Trophy that year.

Dani Dyer has opened up on how she feels watching fellow Love Island alumni Amber Davies join the cast of Strictly Come Dancing in her place following injury

Dani Dyer has admitted she found the first live Strictly Come Dancing show hard to watch at the weekend. The former Love Island star, 29, had been excited to be a part of the hit BBC contest, but injury forced her to quit in the week running up to the series starting.

Now, while chatting with her dad Danny Dyer on their Live and Let Dyers podcast, the reality TV star admitted she would love to go back next series. “My door is open,” she confessed. “If they want their door to be open then I’ll walk through their door.”

And talking about Amber Davies replacing her, she admitted she feels she will be amazing with Nikita Guzman. “Watching the launch show, they’re all so lovely,” she said before her dad asked how she felt.

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“That was really hard,” she confessed. “Obviously seeing them, but obviously Amber’s come in and they’re going to be amazing together.

“I’m glad that Nikita’s actually got a partner because there was a chance he wouldn’t get a partner. It was just such a quick turnaround.”

She added: “Listen, I wish everyone the best, ” before confessing her love for Geordie Shore’s Vicky Pattison. “I’m so glad I met Vicky,” she gushed.

Dani also revealed during the chat that she felt she may have done something wrong in the world after injuring herself. It left her requiring the advice of her therapist for the first time since she met her husband Jarrod Bowen.

“He just put things into perspective for me,” she candidly revealed.

Speaking of how the injury occurred, dad Danny labelled it a “freak f***ing accident”. Dani then added: “Basically I fell and rolled my ankle and initially I heard a noise but I thought, ‘I think it’ll be fine’, but I came home on the weekend and iced it all, and they sent me for the MRI and it came back that there was a hairline fracture on my ankle, but it was my ligaments.”

“They said to me, the physio, if you have a grade one sprain, we can work with a grade one sprain, but one side of my ankle had a grade two sprain and the other side had a grade one.

“We went and got a second opinion, see the doctor, and I was like ‘What can we do? Physically do? Can you jab it, there’s got to be something’.”

But she admitted the Strictly bosses pulled the plug on her time, admitting they told her it wasn’t worth it. They explained she would be “in so much pain” if she was to continue.

Now, with Amber going in as one of the favourites, fans have been wondering if her call-up is fair due to her West End and dancing background.

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Dancer Dianne Buswell announced she was expecting her first child with partner Joe Sugg earlier this month as she performed her first dance with Stefan Dennis on Saturday night

Strictly Come Dancing kicked off it’s first couples dances on last night’s show (Saturday 27 September) and one particular person who was glowing was pregnant dancer Dianne Buswell. She and her celebrity partner Stefan Dennis took to the dancefloor to perform a Foxtrot to the Neighbours theme song as she showed off her growing baby bump.

The Aussie native, 36, announced her pregnancy with partner Joe Sugg earlier this month and despite questions being raised about whether she would be able to still compete, Dianne proved she can do it all as she showed off her pregnancy glow.

For her performance, she wore a flowy blue dress with flower detailing and a v-neck, which perfectly held her growing baby bump. The pair received a score of 22 from the judges, putting them in eighth place on leaderboard out of the 15 contestants.

Dianne’s pregnancy didn’t go unmentioned on the live show as her co-stars flocked to congratulate her and make her feel special. Following their performance, host Tess Daly exclaimed: “Dianne, we can not let you leave the floor without saying congratulations.”

She responded gleefully: “Thank you so much! “That’s why we’re in blue tonight,” she laughed before saying: “Not really, but lets pretend!”

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As she and Stefan made their way upstairs, Claudia Winkleman decided to throw her an impromptu baby shower. Pro dancer Neil Jones came out wearing an animal costume and she was presented with balloons, a teddy bear and some cupcakes.

Fans flocked to X to compliment the mum-to-be during the live show as one person gushed: “Dianne’s baby bump awwwww,” Another fan said: “Dianne’s baby bump. So happy for Dianne and Joe. They met on Strictly 7 years ago and now a baby is on the way.”

Somebody else commented: “Stefan and Dianne were incredible and Dianne looked so beautiful! And her little bump showing,” while a fourth added: “Love this when the #strictly cast congratulated Dianne on her baby news, she is going to be an amazing mum.”

Her baby bump television debut comes after vile trolls complained about seeing her pregnant on the show. One troll in particular wrote on social media: “I don’t want to see her dance being pregnant, it’s already feeling uncomfortable and she’s only starting to show. It’s really not appropriate.”

Dianne posted it on her Instagram story and responded: “”I can’t believe in 2025 things like this are still being said.”

Her fans rushed to her defence, with one writing: “Saw @diannebuswell’s story and just had to say something. Her dancing pregnant in Strictly this year is nothing short of beautiful and magical. Women’s bodies are INCREDIBLE and I don’t actually think people realise that.

“This will show all of those people who believe this weird twisted notion that women should hide away when they’re carrying a baby that women are capable of much more & can do anything.

“You’re inspirational and incredible. We as a family cannot wait to watch you doing what you love and were born to do again every weekend. And we will be cheering you on as always beautiful.” Dianne reposted the comment with a series of happy crying and heart emojis.

She makes history as the first ever dancer to be pregnant while competing on the BBC One show.

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Former England rugby captain Chris Robshaw has been married to classical crossover singer Camilla Kerslake since 2018, with the couple sharing two children together

Chris Robshaw admits his wife Camilla Kerslake laughed at him when he first announced he would be signing up to Strictly Come Dancing. The former England rugby union player married singer Camilla in France in 2018.

The pair had been engaged for six years when they tied the knot. Classical crossover singer Camilla, 37, made headlines in 2009 when she became the first person to be signed by Gary Barlow’s record label.

She had performed for Queen Elizabeth II as well as performing the national anthem at Wembley and the-then Millennium Stadium. And while Camilla has been one of Chris’s supporters throughout his career, he admits she burst out in a fit of laughter when he told her he would be heading onto the dance floor.

Chris told Heat that Camilla knows “all about my dance moves” but revealed she later reassured the 39-year-old that she backed his decision.

He explained: “She was like, ‘Look, it’s a great opportunity. It’s amazing, so go and do it, we’ll support you’.”

Chris, who shares one-year-old Hunter and four-year-old Wilding with Camilla, says his eldest child has been excited by the news. “We’ve shown him the show, he loves the sparkles and the lights,” Chris explained.

And while Wilding “doesn’t quite understand” that his dad will be taking part in the show, Chris wanted him to see his dad stepping out of his comfort zone. The former flanker says it’s good to “really challenge yourself” at times.

Chris himself is no stranger to a challenge. As well as racking up 66 caps for England, he took part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins last year, although he had to withdraw due to injury.

Chris underwent surgery after a boxing match with Love Islander Ovie Soko. He said: “I had to get an operation. Because I’d popped my shoulder out the ligament was loose so it becomes like a catch which keeps opening. So they reattached the ligament to keep it in place.”

The ex-rugby star said he had experienced some shoulder problems towards the end of his playing career. Before taking part in Strictly, Chris joked that he hoped the BBC show would help him take his “dad dancing to a whole new level”.

He said: “This is about as far out of my comfort zone as it gets! I’m hoping to take my dad dancing to a whole new level, and my mum can’t wait to drag me along to her Zumba class. Let’s see if a rugby sidestep works in the Cha Cha Cha.”

Chris will be taking part in Strictly with professional dancer Nadiya Bychkova. Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One from 6.55pm today (September 27)

Strictly Come Dancing pro Dianne Buswell has addressed a comment she received about dancing whilst pregnant and her post about it has then been met with support

Professional dancer Dianne Buswell has addressed criticism over her decision to compete on Strictly Come Dancing whilst pregnant. She has also been met with support after sharing a message that she received about the situation.

Dianne announced that she’s expecting a baby with her partner Joe Sugg earlier this month, with their son due next year. The news has been celebrated by fans but she’s also faced concern over still competing on the BBC show ahead of the first live show, which is taking place this weekend.

It was confirmed in the launch show that Dianne will remain one of this year’s dancers as the partner of Neighbours star Stefan Dennis. She’s said to be the first pregnant competitor in the show’s history, as reported by the Express.

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However, not all viewers are pleased, with it suggested she should withdraw from the contest due to her pregnancy. Dianne shared an update on her Instagram Story on Wednesday, where she showed one negative message that she’s received.

The message stated: “I don’t want to see her dance being pregnant, it’s already feeling uncomfortable and she’s only starting to show. It’s really not appropriate.” Dianne responded to the comment in her own post, expressing her frustration. She wrote: “I can’t believe in 2025 things like this are still being said.”

In a subsequent post, she highlighted a response from one of her supporters, who defended Dianne. They said that her dancing whilst pregnant was “nothing short of beautiful and magical”. They went on to say she is “inspirational and incredible” in the message, which Dianne shared beside teary-eyed emojis and red hearts.

The fan said: “Saw [Dianne’s] story and just had to say something. Her dancing pregnant in Strictly this year is nothing short of beautiful and magical. Women’s bodies are INCREDIBLE and I don’t actually think some people realise that.

“This will show all of those people who believe this weird twisted notion that women should hide away when they’re carrying a baby that women are capable of so much more & can do anything. You’re inspirational and incredible. We as a family cannot wait to watch you doing what you love and were born to do again every weekend. And we will be cheering you on as always beautiful.”

Dianne revealed earlier this month that she and YouTuber Joe are expecting their first child together. Since then, some of her fans have questioned whether the 36-year-old pro should carry on performing some of Strictly’s lifts.

Speaking to comedian Chris McCausland, whom she won Strictly with last year, on their Winning Isn’t Everything podcast, Dianne said that her doctor had given her advice following her pregnancy announcement. Chris said: “How’s it work with all the lifts and things like that because we did quite a lot of lifts that were quite high impact.”

Dianne replied: “Well, look, I’m still doing everything that I did before. Obviously, with lifts, there’s just going to be a bit more caution. But my doctor has said that everything is like normal. He said, basically, if you’ve done it before, like in terms of you’re a dancer, you’ve done lifts, you’ve done this, you’ve done that, then crack on and keep doing what you were doing.”

She continued: “He said, because you’ve danced since you were five, literally, this is what your body’s meant to do. He said you shouldn’t stop what you do. So obviously, with lifts, you just do it with caution.”

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Michelle Tsiakkas, a Latin dance champion, was partnered with Jamie Borthwick in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing but is “gutted” this term not to have a celeb match

Strictly Come Dancing’s Michelle Tsiakkas says she is “gutted” not receive a partner on this year’s series.

The 30-year-old dancer worked with EastEnders’ Jamie Borthwick last year and said she felt it was the first time fans got to really know her. However, she has failed to get a celebrity partner this time and is disappointed.

Speaking in a video she posted to her Instagram account, Michelle said: “Hi everyone, I hope you’re all well. I just wanted to make this post to acknowledge and say thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the lovely messages I’ve received since you’ve all seen that I don’t have a partner on Strictly this year. To those of you asking how I am. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t gutted, but I think that’s a normal feeling to have.”

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Strictly Come Dancing, a Saturday night staple since 2004, returned last weekend and saw the likes of Thomas Skinner, Alex ­Kingston and George Clarke jive with the professionals. Several pros, though, haven’t been matched with a celebrity. Others include Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Neil Jones. Weeks prior, Gorka Márquez had shared that he wouldn’t have a partner.

But Michelle, a Latin dance champion, has been able to reflect on the decision. She added: “Last year was my first year with a partner and it made me realise just how much I enjoy the process.

“I think it’s the most beautiful and rewarding part of the show. And I also feel like last year was the first time you all started to get to know me better as well.

“There is still a whole lot more of me yet to discover, so I will do my best this year to post more on here to make up for not seeing me as much on your screens.

“I’ll be sharing more about my life, my hobbies, my interests, my experiences, my opinions – just anything that you want to know about me, I want to help you to get to know me better and you will still be seeing me this year in music acts and group numbers and It Takes Two, so I’m not completely disappearing.”

Michelle, born in Cyprus, first appeared on the BBC television dance show in 2022. At the time, she called it “her dream ever since I was a little girl”.

And her co-stars have offered her encouragement despite the snub, with supportive messages flooding in on Instagram. Vito Coppola wrote: “Yes Mish. You are talented in so many different ways. Just keep being yourself.”

Strictly Come Dancing pro Nancy Xu has spoken out following the news that she won’t have a celebrity partner on the BBC show this year, with her sharing a message this week

Professional dancer Nancy Xu has spoken out about not having a celebrity partner on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing ahead of the first live show. It comes after this year’s couples were unveiled to viewers just days ago.

It was revealed in the pre-recorded launch, which aired on Saturday, that several pros haven’t been matched with a celebrity. They include Nancy, 34, as well as Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Neil Jones. Weeks prior, Gorka Márquez had shared that he wouldn’t have a partner.

Following the news of the pairings, it was reported that Nancy had been left “upset” by the situation. She’s since shared her thoughts in a video message to fans ahead of the live shows, which are scheduled to start this weekend.

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Nancy shared a video on Instagram tonight. It began with clips of her being asked if she was “okay” by co-stars. She was seen saying “yeah” and smiling in response to the concerns in the skit before looking downcast each time.

Then, in a message to viewers, Nancy expressed gratitude for the support that she has received lately. She shared that she felt “disappointed” initially but she assured fans that she’s “good” because she’s still part of the Strictly “family”.

Nancy said: “Thank you so much for all of your kind, love and supportive messages that I’ve received in the past few days. I am okay. I am okay. As you all know now, I don’t have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year.”

She said: “In the very beginning, when I just received the messages, it [did] upset me and [I] felt disappointed.” Nancy, who joined the BBC show in 2019, said about having moved to the UK from China: “All I wanted is to achieve my dream.”

Nancy continued: “Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills, show my talents. Of course, I felt this year has been left out but I’m good because I’m still part of the Strictly family.”

She went on to say in the message shared this week: “This year you will possibly hear my voice more than ever because I will give all my energy to support all my Strictly family. I will be there cheering for them.” Nancy, who will still be part of the group numbers, teased that she will be on It Takes Two and Morning Live too.

Nancy said that messages from fans “mean the world” to her before saying that she was “sending all her love” to them. She concluded: “The weather’s getting cold, please keep yourself warm. Remember, keep dancing!”

In the caption that accompanied the video, Nancy wrote in the post: “Thank you all for all your love, kind and supportive messages in the past few days! It has meant a world.”

She was met with support from fans and colleagues in the comments section. Michelle wrote: “We love you and I’m here for you my girl! We’ve got each other.” Amy Dowden said: “You are superstar, a beautiful dancer and so loved.”

Vito Coppola wrote: “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)))))).” Whilst Kai Widdrington said: “Your star will always shine bright beautiful Nancy.”

It marks the first time that Nancy hasn’t had a partner on the main show in five years. It’s however the second time that she’s not reunited with a celebrity from a Christmas special, as her partners from the last two of them have both returned for the main show but with other pros instead.

Nancy was a runner-up in last year’s special with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, who is now competing with Karen Hauer on the main series this year. Similarly, Nancy won the Christmas special in 2023 with former EastEnders cast member Jamie Borthwick, but he was then partnered with Michelle when he competed on Strictly last year.

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READ MORE: Best high-end beauty advent calendars for 2025 including Space NK, Cult Beauty and more

STRICTLY star Anita Rani looks all loved up with her new boyfriend as the pair step out in public at a Burberry London Fashion Week show.

The British radio and television presenter – who starred on the iconic BBC dancing competition in 2015 – split from her husband Bhupi Rehal in 2023 after 14 years of marriage.

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Earlier this month, The Sun exclusively reported how the broadcaster had fallen in love with Alex Lavery.

Countryfile anchor Anita, 47, has now been seen with her new man as the pair attended a London Fashion Week show.

The couple looked smitten as they held hands and wandered through the streets of the capital city.

Anita wore a copper-coloured jumpsuit, which appeared to be loosely fitted and boasted of a plunging neckline.

She completed the look with a classic Burberry trench, some green pointed boots that had a stiletto heel, and a tan-coloured shoulder bag.

Anita wore her brunette bob in a sleek style which was straight and glossy.

Meanwhile, her hunky man could be seen in a pair of dark grey jeans, with a black top, a grey jacket and a pair of brown boots.

The smitten pair walked hand in hand as they smiled at one another, with them even bursting out in laughter in one snap.

Earlier this month, the couple were spotted running errands at homeware store B&Q.

As the pair were papped at the start of September, Alex was seen with a tote bag slung over his shoulder and carrying some soil.

At the time, Anita walked closely alongside her man as they made their way to his car.

The pair were also all smiles in a selfie posted from the Green Man festival in August, with Anita and Alex seen posing with her pals.

Anita, who tagged Alex’s work account and also follows his personal page on Instagram, is clearly embracing her next life chapter.

Her man is in charge of an immersive sonic experience company called Frqncy Ldn.

The company “explores the effects of sound and mind on the body.”

He recently focused on the gong instrument, composing and writing the score for the instrument on new release, The White Edition.

Anita proved the supportive partner as she wrote underneath: “It’s a stunner.”

Meanwhile, Alex’s brand has also performed sound meditations as part of Glastonbury Festival’s wellness programme.

Previously, Anita and Alex were seen watching Lankum and Mogwai at South Facing Festival in Crystal Palace park.

At the time, a source told The Sun: “Anita and this bloke were clearly very close and more than just friends – she was wrapped around him in the VIP area then they walked off into the crowd together looking really happy.”

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STRICTLY Come Dancing has seen some iconic pairings during its two decades on screen.

Tonight, the class of 2025 will learn who their pro-partners are on the pre-recorded launch show.

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But many will be hoping their Strictly partnerships don’t go the way of these past duos, who didn’t exactly see eye-to-eye, to put it politely.

Here’s a recap of some of the worst Strictly pairings ever.

Fiona Phillips and Brendan Cole

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Former GMTV host Fiona took part in the third series of Strictly back in 2005.

She wasn’t a natural on the dancefloor, and she has claimed pro-partner Brendan Cole made his feelings on that very clear.

In her book, Remember When: My Life With Alzheimer’s, Fiona – who is battling the disease – wrote: “He could also be seen looking at my dancing and saying, ‘Pathetic, it’s not good enough!’

“Then I’m begging him to ‘stop shouting’ and worrying that I look completely ridiculous. There’s a clip where I say to the cameraman that Brendan is looking at me like he’s stepped in something.

“I really don’t remember much of that time now – maybe I blocked it out because all I recall is the sense that it was incredibly traumatic.”

She added that she was on ‘the brink of tears’ most of the time and quickly regretted her decision to sign up.

Johnny Ball and Aliona Vilani

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Legendary TV presenter Johnny, 87, was part of the 2012 series, where he was paired with the previous years winner, Aliona.

Aliona left the early stages of the 10th series due to an injury and Johnny was paired with Iveta Lukošiūtė instead.

Johnny ended up being the first to be booted off the show, but five years later, in 2017, Johnny launched an astonishing attack on his Strictly dance partners, accusing them of fixing it so he got booted off first.

He told The Sun on Sunday: “Aliona fell on a flat floor in flat shoes and said she had broken her leg.

“The next day she flew to the South of France for a pre-arranged weekend with her boyfriend.”

The star was then paired with Iveta – and he claimed that she devised a routine that was too difficult for him.

He said: “When I was knocked out she said, ‘That’s funny, my contract ends on Tuesday’.”

Aliona later took to X to deny his claims, saying: “I am aware that Johnny Ball has made allegations regarding my fractured ankle during 2012 SCD, which I strongly deny.

“I have instructed solicitors and am taking legal action in relation to his allegations.

“It’s therefore not appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Fern Britton and Artem Chigvintsev

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Former This Morning host Fern, 68, has spoken on a number of occasions about her experience on Strictly.

Fern was paired with Artem, 43, in series 10 in 2012 and was the fifth celebrity to be eliminated.

While her run on Strictly wasn’t long, it was tough, with Fern previously telling The Times: “He would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me.”

Artem denied Fern’s claims of him ‘kicking or shoving her’ during tense rehearsals.

He told the Daily Express: “I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am.

“I cannot imagine what has prompted such statements which come as a shock to me.”

She added in her book, Fern Britton The Older I Get, how her confidence was knocked straightaway with Artem.

Describing the rehearsals as “challenging”, Fern added: “As the weeks went on, I found it increasingly hard to gather up my self-confidence and there were days I was crying before I even got into the rehearsal room.”

Lynda Bellingham and Darren Bennett

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The late actress and Loose Women star Lynda Bellingham signed up for Strictly in 2009.

She was paired with series two champ Darren Bennett, but the duo were voted out on the fourth week.

Following her death in 2014 from cancer, her husband Michael Pattemore claimed in a book that Lynda had “hated” her time on Strictly.

He wrote: “There were two things about Strictly she didn’t like. One was her body image. She always thought she looked fat. I kept saying she didn’t.

“She picked this ruched gold dress and she said it made her look 20 times bigger than what she was.

“And the other thing, she said her partner Darren Bennett was such a miserable git. There was no laughter, no fun.

“All the way through rehearsals she didn’t mind training hard, but it was solid dance. He was just hard work.

“If Lynda had had a partner like Anton du Beke or someone, now they would have had some fun together.”

Danny John-Jules and Amy Dowden

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Back in 2018, Red Dwarf star Danny was paired with pro dancer Amy Dowden.

While the pair produced some great routines, rumours of behind-the-scenes tension were rife.

The Sun revealed at the time that Danny, 65, had received a final warning by show bosses for “bullying” partner Amy.

The actor had reportedly left Amy in tears during training — at one point angrily telling her: “I’m the star, not you.”

When they were voted off in week eight, Danny opted not to take part in their exit interview on spin-off show It Takes Two, leaving Amy to do it on her own.

Strictly Come Dancing starts tonight at 6.20pm on BBC One.