Strictly Come Dancing star Nancy Xu has broken her silence after reports suggested she was "incensed" by not being partnered with a celebrity on this year's series.
The 34-year-old dancer was among those not paired with anyone, meaning she won't partake in the competition this year.
Joining her on the sidelines is Michelle Tsiakkas, Luba Mushtuk and Neil Jones. Meanwhile, two new dancers, Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon, have been included in the main line-up.
Ms Xu, who has starred in the popular show since 2019, was the subject of several reports following Saturday's launch show claiming she was upset by the snub.
Nancy Xu was partnered with Shayne Ward in last year's show
| BBCA source shared that Ms Xu is confused as to why she hasn't been partnered, telling The Sun: "She is absolutely incensed by it all and has said she can't work out what she's done to make producers snub her - especially because she did so well with [Shayne Ward] last year."
They continued: "Nancy absolutely loves Strictly and gives it her all. So to be left out in the cold again for this series has been really jarring for her."
It is thought the dancer is "letting people know" she's been left disgruntled by the situation.
However, the Chinese choreographer has now spoken out in her own words, taking to social media on Wednesday to clarify her feelings.
Sharing a jokey clip on Instagram in which an unseen person keeps asking her if she's ok, Ms Xu made clear that she was disappointed yet excited to remain a part of the coming series.
In the video, she gradually responds to the question in a more and more unconvincing way as she insists she is ok.
After the comic display of her disappointment, she addressed fans herself in the video, stating: "Thank you so much for all your kind and supportive messages that I've been receiving in the past few days.
"I am ok, as you all know now, I don't have a dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year.
"In the very beginning when I just received the messages it did 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."
However, the choreographer noted: "But 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."
Fans and co-stars offered their support in the comments, with Ms Tsiakkas, who has only taken part in last year's series with a partner, writing: "We love you and I'm here for you my girl! We've got each other."
Amy Dowden penned: "You are superstar, a beautiful dancer and so loved xxx."
Nancy Xu is understood to be unhappy over the snub | BBCAnother fellow professional, Vito Coppola, sweetly added: 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."
Nancy Xu appeared in the group dance on the BBC Strictly launch show | BBCFans also expressed disappointment, with one posting: "I could understand if there was too many pros to celebs... That some pros might miss out on partners but to bring two new pros in but leave old pros out is just not on in my books, especially if it wasn't your decision."
"Exactly this! Nothing against the new pros, it's not their fault but the fact they've both come straight in and got celebrities while Nancy and also Michelle who have proved themselves with celebrities miss out, I feel so sad for them," another agreed.