Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Nancy Xu is understood to be seething about not being partnered in this year's show.
Ms Xu, 34, has taken part in the beloved annual BBC competition since 2019, but it was confirmed with last weekend's launch show that she was among the professionals who would only be participating in the group dances this year.
The launch on Saturday saw 15 dancers paired with celebrity partners, but Ms Xu, along with Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas, Neil Jones and Gorka Márquez, remained solo.
It is understood Ms Xu is "incensed" by the snub, with the Chinese choreographer having been among the main cast every year since her debut in 2019.
Nancy Xu is understood to be unhappy over the snub
|BBC
Ms Xu's partners from the last two festive special editions, Jamie Borthwick and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, have gone on to be cast in the main show and paired with other dancers.
This year, Gladiators star Aikines-Aryeetey, who came runner-up in last year's Christmas Special alongside Ms Xu, has been paired with Karen Hauer.
Touching on Ms Xu's two Christmas partners going on to perform in the main show, a source commented: "It's not the first time it's happened and she's said she thinks there may be some kind of deeper issue she's not aware of."
Speaking to The Sun, they went on to state that while Ms Xu "understands" she can't be partnered with someone she's already danced with, she is baffled as to why she doesn't have any partner at all.
Nancy Xu has starred on BBC Strictly since 2019
|BBC
The source added: "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.
"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.
GB News has contacted the BBC over the claims.
Many Strictly fans seem to share Ms Xu's disappointment, with some taking to social media to question why she hasn't been partnered.
"Omg I just realised Nancy and Michelle don't get partners this year. It's kinda unfair to get new dancers when the current dancers don't even get partners #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing," one noted on X.
A second wrote: "And Nancy, Michelle, and Neil?! I wonder how they pick who’ll have a partner and who won’t, it must be annoying for them when new pros come and get partners but they’re benched again?!
"Also wish Gorka had a partner but he’s on the Spanish show again so can't! #Strictly."
Nancy Xu appeared in the group dance on the BBC Strictly launch show
|BBC
Another penned: "So no Neil or Nancy #Strictly," while someone else shared: "Bring back the old format of pairing the celebrities with their pros in the studio. Also feel bad for Nancy, Michelle and Luba being benched! #Strictly."
One viewer pointed out: "Nancy dances with Jamie for Christmas special (and wins) - She doesn't get him as partner next year. Nancy dances with Harry for Christmas special - She doesn't get him as partner next year. Whoever Nancy gets for Christmas special won't be on #Strictly next year."
LATEST BBC STRICTLY DEVELOPMENTS
- Thomas Skinner shares update on 'critics' following Strictly debut as he advises: 'Keep learning'
- Amy Dowden issues heartfelt Thomas Skinner statement amid backlash to BBC Strictly pairing as dancer ignores complaints
- BBC Strictly drag star La Voix pretends to 'storm off' show upon meeting 'second choice' partner: 'One I didn't want!'
Nancy Xu performed alongside singer Shayne Ward in last year's BBC Strictly
|BBC
One more added: "The fact that we won't see Nancy or Michelle with a celebrity on this year's #Strictly makes me feel so sad.
"I hope they know how much we love them and hopefully they'll be front and centre of some of the group dances this year." (sic)