Why Did This Strictly Come Dancing Pro Feel Disappointed After Being Benched?

Nancy Xu, a prominent dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, recently shared her feelings after not being partnered with a celebrity for this year's series. While reports suggested that she was upset about the situation, Nancy took to social media to reassure her fans that she is okay and will fully support her fellow dancers. This article explores Nancy's journey on the show, the impact of her absence this season, and what fans can expect moving forward.

Last updated: 27 September 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Nancy Xu will not be partnered with a celebrity in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
• Despite initial disappointment, she remains committed to supporting the other dancers.
• Nancy has had a successful journey on the show since joining in 2019.
• Two celebrities have already withdrawn from the competition, raising questions about the show's dynamics.
• Fans can expect to hear more from Nancy as she engages with the series in new ways.

Nancy Xu's Journey on Strictly Come Dancing

Nancy joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 and quickly made her mark. Her journey has been filled with highs and lows, showcasing her talent and dedication to dance. Over the years, she has partnered with various celebrities, achieving notable success, including reaching the semi-finals in 2021 and 2022.

Early Success and Setbacks

In her debut series, Nancy had to wait until 2021 to be paired with a celebrity for the main competition. She partnered with CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson, and they delivered impressive performances that took them to the semi-finals. This momentum continued in 2022 when she was paired with actor Will Mellor, achieving the same semi-final status.

However, 2023 proved to be a challenging year for Nancy. She was paired with comedian Les Dennis, and unfortunately, they were the first couple eliminated from the competition. This unexpected turn of events left fans surprised and concerned about her future on the show.

The Current Season: A New Challenge

As the current series unfolds, Nancy's absence as a partnered dancer has raised eyebrows. The show has already seen two stars, Dani Dyer and Kristian Nairn, withdraw, and Dianne Buswell’s pregnancy has also created a stir among fans and competitors alike. With such changes, Nancy’s lack of a partner has become even more pronounced, leaving her to reflect on her role in the show.

Nancy's Response to the Situation

In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, Nancy expressed her disappointment but also reassured her fans that she is not disheartened. She acknowledged the support she has received through messages and noted that while she may feel left out, she is still very much a part of the show. “You’ll probably hear my voice more than ever, because I’ll give all my energies to support all my Strictly families,” she stated.

Understanding the Dynamics of Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing is known for its dynamic partnerships, where professional dancers are paired with celebrities for a series of performances. The selection process can be influenced by various factors, including the dancers' previous experiences and the overall balance of the competition. Nancy's situation raises questions about how partnerships are formed and the potential impact of previous collaborations on new pairings.

The Selection Process Explained

When selecting dance partners, producers consider many elements, such as performance history, chemistry, and the potential for engaging television. This means that while Nancy performed admirably last year with Shayne Ward, it was not guaranteed that she would be paired with him again. Furthermore, bringing back a dancer who has previously trained with a celebrity could be seen as giving that celebrity an unfair advantage.

Impact of Celebrity Withdrawals

The recent withdrawals of Dani Dyer and Kristian Nairn add another layer of complexity to the series. With fewer competitors, the dynamics of the competition shift significantly. It raises questions about how the remaining celebrities will perform and whether they will be able to engage viewers as effectively as a full cast.

Nancy's Future on Strictly

While Nancy may not have a partner this season, her dedication to the show and its community remains strong. As she supports her fellow dancers, fans can expect to see her actively engaging in various capacities. This could include behind-the-scenes commentary, participating in group performances, or even hosting segments where she shares insights into the competition.

What Lies Ahead for Nancy Xu?

As Nancy navigates this challenging period, her resilience and adaptability shine through. The dancer has built a strong foundation in the UK and has a dedicated fanbase that appreciates her talent and hard work. Moving forward, fans will be keen to see how she transforms her role within the competition, potentially leading to new opportunities in the future.

Conclusion

Nancy Xu's journey on Strictly Come Dancing is far from over, even without a partner this season. Her commitment to supporting her colleagues and her positive outlook serve as an inspiration to many. As the competition progresses, it will be intriguing to see how Nancy contributes to the show and continues to engage with her fans. Will her experience lead to a new opportunity in future series? Only time will tell.

FAQs

Why is Nancy Xu not partnered this season?

Nancy Xu is not partnered this season due to the selection process, which involves various factors such as performance history and the balance of the competition.

What has Nancy said about her situation?

Nancy expressed her disappointment in not having a partner but reassured fans that she is okay and will be supporting her fellow dancers throughout the competition.

How has Nancy performed in past seasons?

Nancy has had a successful track record on Strictly, reaching the semi-finals in both 2021 and 2022 with her celebrity partners.

What challenges has Strictly Come Dancing faced this season?

The current season has seen two celebrities withdraw and questions surrounding the impact of Dianne Buswell's pregnancy, significantly altering the competition dynamics.

What can fans expect from Nancy this season?

Fans can expect to hear more from Nancy as she engages in supporting her colleagues and possibly taking on new roles within the show.