Strictly Come Dancing pro Nancy Xu ‘upset’ over launch show ‘snub’ from producers

Strictly Come Dancing made its first appearance for its new series last night, and Nancy Xu, the star, is said to be “incensed” by what producers have described as a “snub” this year.

Nancy Xu is among the pros who are back for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)

Professional dancer Nancy Xu is said to have found it “really jarring” not being given a celebrity partner on Strictly Come Dancing this year. The pairings for the latest series were unveiled in last night’s pre-recorded launch show.

Nancy, 34, who joined the BBC show in 2019, is one of the pros without a partner. It was revealed during the launch that Luba Mushtuk, Michelle Tsiakkas and Neil Jones will just be part of the group dances too. Gorka Márquez had already announced that he wouldn’t have a partner.

Although it’s the first time that Nancy hasn’t had a partner on the main show in five years, it marks the second time that she’s not reunited with a celebrity from a Christmas special. Her partners from the last two festive specials have both returned for the main show but partnered with other pros.

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Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu, both in bright green outfits, dancing on Strictly Come Dancing in a bowling themed routine.
Nancy Xu (right), pictured with Shayne Ward (left), who was her celebrity partner on the main series of Strictly last year, hasn’t got a partner this year(Image: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire )

She danced with Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in last year’s Christmas special, with them runners-up in the competition. Harry is back for the main series this year, but he has been partnered with Karen Hauer instead.

Similarly, Nancy won the festive special in 2023 with former EastEnders cast member Jamie Borthwick but they weren’t partnered together when he later returned. He was paired with Michelle when he competed on the main show last year.

A source told the Sun that Nancy is “upset” to have been “benched again” after a “brilliant run” with Harry in the special. Before referencing Jamie having also returned with a different partner, they said: “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.”

The source claimed that Nancy “understands” that pairing her with someone she’s already danced with would result in an “advantage.” She claimed she is unsure about why she doesn’t have a partner, though.

They went on to mention Nancy having competed with Shayne Ward on Strictly last year. The source said: “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] last year.”

Nancy Xu and Harry Aikines-Aryeetey dancing together on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2024.
She had been partnered with Harry Aikines-Aryeetey in the Christmas special that aired at the end of last year but he’s not paired with her for the new series(Image: BBC Studios/Guy Levy)

According to the source, Nancy “loves” the show and “gives it her all” in her first two years on Strictly. They remarked, “So it has been really jarring for her to be left out in the cold again for this series.” According to the source, Nancy has been talking with coworkers about the situation and is “not happy” when she tells people backstage.

Prior to the launch episode, it was reported that Nancy and Luba wouldn’t have celebrity partners this year. A source had told the Sun that they were “disappointed” but acknowledged that not everyone is able to have a partner, adding that the pros on the show are “grateful for the gig”.

Some fans shared disappointment over Nancy not having a celebrity partner this weekend. They reacted to the news in the comments section of a post promoting the launch show that she shared on Instagram yesterday.

Sad you don’t have a partner this year, one person wrote in response to her. one of my favorites. Another fan shared their thoughts by saying, “Gutted you’ve got a celebrity this year,” in a message to Nancy earlier this weekend.

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Kourtney Kardashian debuts bold new look as she recovers from Covid

Kourtney Kardashian, 46, said she frequently feels like cutting her hair because of her Covid, so she has now made the decision to get new fringe and bangs ahead of Halloween.

Kourtney Kardashian is recovering from Covid-19(Image: Getty Images)

Kourtney Kardashian has debuted a brand new look as she recovers from Covid-19 – and her husband had a telling reaction.

The 46-year-old Kardashians star revealed she cut her hair, sporting a new fringe and bangs ahead of Halloween. The mother-of-four unveiled the new hairstyle as she posted two mirror selfies on Instagram, where she has 217 million followers.

She captioned the post “Witchy season,” followed by an emoji referring to scissors, and shared the following on Instagram: “I always feel the urge to cut my hair when I have Covid.” Travis Barker, the husband of Kourtney, expressed his adoration for his wife by commenting on her post with a hot face emoji.

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Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney has a new hairstyle(Image: Instagram / kourtneykardash)

A pumpkin and heart emoji were displayed next, along with the statement, “It’s about that time,” according to her brand Poosh. “So cute,” a fan said. Someone once said, “You Kourt, Bangs look fantastic on you!”

The reality TV star and her ex-boyfriend Scott Disick, who lives with Rocky and Travis, who plays drum for Blink-182, have three children. Landon, Alabama, and Atiana, Travis’ three children, are also in her stepmother’s care.

Kourtney has largely adopted a more natural approach, despite the celebrity’s famous mother and sisters’ openness to their various cosmetic procedures. Kylie surprised fans in June by revealing details about her breast implants, while her mother, Kris Jenner, 60, recently revealed a youthful look after a facelift.

Travis Barker and Kourtney Kardashian
The Kardashians star with her husband, Travis Barker(Image: Getty Images for The Met Museum/)

Kourtney herself has admitted to working as a boob at the age of 21, but frequently chooses to share photos of herself that haven’t been edited on social media. Fans praised Kourtney for keeping things real after she posted a few candid photos of herself on Instagram last month.

One supporter sums up Kourtney’s post, saying, “I love how unfiltered her content has become. It appears as though the Kardashians had used filters, posing, and lighting as a way to promote social media. Then they removed everything, leaving the rest of us to manually edit and filter their mess. What do you know? She’ll be better for it.

The post came shortly after Kourtney spoke out about a family member she had a difficult relationship with as a child during an appearance on her sister’s podcast, Khloé In Wonder Land. Looking back on her relationship with Caitlyn Jenner, she described her step-parenting style as “controlling” and “bossy”.

Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney regularly keeps her fans updated with photos and videos(Image: Getty Images for TAO Chicago)
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Kourtney recalled that Caitlyn would hang up the phone while I would be like, “I wanna call my Dad.” There would be yelling battles. She also claimed that Caitlyn had strict rules for her, adding, “Certain friends can’t come over.

Kourtney lived with her father, Robert Kardashian, until his 2003 passing. Khloé acknowledged that, despite acknowledging that “no one could replace dad,” she had assumed that Caitlyn was “replacing” their father.

Ed Sheeran buys £1m farm with ‘incredible man cave’ after US move 

Ed Sheeran, who reportedly has a secret purchase of a £1 million farm, decides to build a second “Sheeranville” in Suffolk with his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters.

Ed reportedly racked up a whopping £650million from his Mathematics tour(Image: GETTY)

Ed Sheeran has reportedly secretly bought a £1million farm, a stone’s throw from his country home in Suffolk, before he moves his family to the US to start his American leg of his tour.

Ed is said to have made a whopping $650 million from his Mathematics tour, which ended in August, and that he has made the decision to build a second “Sheeranville” close to where he is based.

According to a source, “He has decided to start a new Sheeranville close to where he lives.” He is very wise with his money. He has converted the land it once owned into a second home.

He’s likely to spend the majority of his time there, and he might even be able to get creative there. Barns are being constructed on the land, which Ed is busy converting. One of them is being used for recording.

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Ed Sheeran has reportedly secretly bought a £1million farm
Ed Sheeran has reportedly secretly bought a £1million farm(Image: Steven Sutton / SWNS.com)

Adding to The Sun: “There was also a piggery, which Ed has turned into the most incredible man cave. It’s got a bar, a gym, a pool table and a bowling alley, which is something he’s always wanted. There’s another barn which he is considering turning into a rehearsal space too, and there’s loads of room upstairs for an office and a library.”

Ed is reportedly restoring some of the fields so he can grow his own vegetables, according to the source.

Ed explained to his wife Cherry Seaborn and their two daughters Lyra and Jupiter that they are moving to the US for work purposes in an interview with the 2 Johnnies podcast. He then explained more about his home.

Ed is said to be ‘wise with his money’ and decided to create another ‘Sheeranville’ close to where he is based
Ed is said to be ‘wise with his money’ and decided to create another ‘Sheeranville’ close to where he is based(Image: Getty Images for iHeartRadio)

The singer-songwriter has written many of his hits and has resided in a $3.7 million estate with a gym, pool, tree house, and even a separate bungalow. However, the four-person family is about to depart for America right away.

Ed confirmed on the podcast that “I’m just about to move to America.” Perhaps the only person who will immigrate to America is me. I have a family and will be traveling there for a while, so I won’t be able to go in and out. We’re going there and making a decision.

The family of four are set to leave for America imminently
The family of four are set to leave for America imminently(Image: Billboard via Getty Images)

Ed releases his eighth studio album, Play, on September 12, having closed the doors on his Mathematics series. But his upcoming record will see him explore new territory, working with new collaborators and producers from across the globe, and delving into the sounds that made him one of the biggest musicians in the world.

Play will explore the melodies and various sounds of these cultures through borderless music, drawing inspiration from Indian and Persian musical traditions and making connections to Irish folk traditions.

Sheeran’s work, often biographical, has also seen him praised for his songwriting abilities. He has previously written for artists including One Direction and Niall Horan and written all of his own music.

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Sarah Michelle Gellar slammed after revealing her present for daughter’s 16th birthday

Sarah Michelle Gellar, who gave her 16-year-old daughter a £63, 000 car as a birthday present, has been labeled as “tone deaf” and a “disgrace” and “tone deaf.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar has been widely criticised online for her birthday gift to her 16-year-old daughter, as fans label her efforts ‘tone deaf’.

The actress, 48, who famously played Daphne in the Scooby-Doo live-action films, came under fire after sharing a snap of the gift on Instagram.

Sarah dedicated a sweet Instagram post featuring images of her as a young baby to mark the milestone birthday of her daughter.

You made me a mother 16 years ago, she wrote beside the photos. The phrase, “A daughter is just a little girl who grows up to be your best friend,” is true, in my opinion. You and so much more, Charlotte. You are strong, inspiring, kind, and funny, you say that.

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The actress, 48, who famously played Daphne in the Scooby-Doo live-action films, came under fire after sharing a snap of the gift on Instagram(Image: Instagram)

adding, “The most important thing about you is that you are the best kind. You’re my best friend, which is a wonderful thing. And I’m delighted to be your passenger, Prinzess, in the same way.

A brand-new black Jeep with a giant red bow adorning its front and was Sarah’s birthday present, which she also shared photos of. The Wrangler Rubicon models currently cost upwards of £63, 000, according to reports, which raises questions from fans.

One person expressed their opinions on the gift, saying, “Sarah, you are beautiful and kind, and you haven’t aged a day, but I think this post is totally tone deaf.” Some things ought to remain private. They need to understand the value of working hard and earning their own money, regardless of their upbringing, not just as they should be given new cars.

To mark her daughter's milestone birthday, Sarah dedicated a sweet Instagram post to her
To mark her daughter’s milestone birthday, Sarah dedicated a sweet Instagram post to her(Image: Getty Images)

Another question was raised: “Who the hell buys a car for a 16-year-old? A cake, please. That’s all you need,” according to a third person, who criticized “what a disgrace.” What are you teaching your child, though, despite what we all like to do? I’ve already been told that perseverance pays off.

Why would she ever need to work if it were a month like you? My daughter says she has learned a lot from the second-hand Chevy she purchased when she first started college. And emissions didn’t even begin to motivate me.

Sarah’s supporters wrote, “OMG! OMG! Why do so many people have opinions about buying their kids cars? Even though I didn’t really need to, I turned 16 and purchased a brand-new car. I also had to work and have my own gas money. We are unsure of the circumstances surrounding her purchase of a Jeep.

It’s not our business, to be honest. Happy birthday to the child and enjoy your day. Really, it’s not that serious.

Since 2002, Sarah has been wed to fellow actor Freddie Prinze Jr., who rose to fame in the fantasy series Buffy the Vampire Slayer between 1997 and 2003.

In 2009, the couple welcomed daughter Charlotte from Scooby-Doo’s renowned couple Daphne and Fred.

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JoJo Siwa clarifies her sexuality as she hits back at critics of Chris Hughes romance

JoJo Siwa, a famous Big Brother star, recently discussed her relationship with Chris Hughes and discussed the romance’s potential repercussions.

JoJo Siwa spoke about her relationship with Chris Hughes recently(Image: Instagram)

Former Celebrity Big Brother housemate JoJo Siwa has spoken about her sexuality amid her relationship with Chris Hughes. She’s addressed the “extreme amount of hate” that her romance with the Love Island star has attracted.

JoJo, 22, announced she was pansexual when she was a teenager and has since said that she then “boxed” herself in by identifying as a lesbian. More recently, she’s described herself as queer and she is currently in a relationship with Chris, 32, after meeting in the Big Brother house in April.

The singer claims that “within the community” has received “extreme amounts of hate” regarding the relationship, adding that she is now believed to be straight. JoJo recently addressed the situation on a radio program.

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Chris Hughes, in a blue hoodie, and JoJo Siwa, in a black top, cuddled up together in a selfie.
JoJo Siwa (left) has spoken about her relationship with Chris Hughes (right)(Image: Instagram/itsjojosiwa)
Chris Hughes and JoJo Siwa cuddled up together in a selfie.
They have been sharing updates with fans since meeting on Celebrity Big Brother in April(Image: chrishughesofficial/Instagram)

Speaking on SiriusXM’s Smith Sisters Live, JoJo said: “Just because I’m in a hetero relationship does not mean I’m straight. And okay, just say all of a sudden I said ‘yeah, I’m straight’. Awesome.” She added: “Beautiful. I’m still an ally then.”

JoJo continued, “I’m not straight. She continued, “I’m in love with a man, man.” She said in the discussion on the show that she shouldn’t make references to previous relationships, but that doesn’t prevent that.

She said, “I fell in love with a woman for the first time ever.” JoJo described their relationship as “incredible” and claimed she was her “best friend” before adding, “I’ve obviously been in a relationship with other women and non-binary people and now I’m with a man.”

JoJo said, “I’ve never had a love like his,” when describing her relationship with Chris. The best thing that has ever happened to me was falling in love with him, she continued.

In an episode released earlier this month, JoJo spoke about her sexuality and reaction to her latest relationship on the Reign with Josh Smith podcast. She said: “It is hard because it feels like my own family has turned a little bit.”

JoJo Siwa in a navy jacket on a red carpet in March 2025.
JoJo said that she’s received an ‘extreme amount of hate’ over the relationship and addressed her sexuality in a recent interview(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

The LGBTQIA+ family, not the LG community, is where JoJo continued on the podcast: “Love is love, not the LG community, and I think it’s a beautiful rainbow.” And it does both ways.

She later continued, “I now get to be an example of a queer person who is engaged in a heterosexual relationship.” JoJo continued, “Just because you’re in a heterosexual relationship doesn’t discredit my past.”

When asked how she would “define herself,” she responded, “Honest, I would define myself as happy.” I’m no longer called straight by some people, but that’s okay. I’m in a heterosexual relationship, so fair play. I have a crush on a man. I have no control over it at all.

She continued, “I probably just say queer.” That umbrella term, in my opinion, is beautiful and allows flexibility. It provides fluid. I believe that pansexual is undoubtedly my feeling. Some people, in my opinion, just say “bisexual.”

She continued to say, “I don’t get hung up on that,” while responding to the same question during the episode, suggesting that she no longer focuses on labels. It’s just exhausting, as I believe I was and felt like I needed to be.

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Rylan Clark makes cheeky ‘orifice’ comment as Rob Rinder sets the record straight

Rylan Clark left his pal Rob Rinder red-faced after he made an X-rated comment about the TV judge during a joint interview to promote their new show, Rob and Rylan’s Passage To India

Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder have teamed up on a new TV project(Image: BBC)

Television personality Rob Rinder has clarified matters with his co-presenter and friend Rylan Clark following a cheeky remark made during a recent joint interview.

Rob, 47, and Rylan, 36, were being quizzed about their new show, ‘ Rob and Rylan’s Passage To India’, when they were asked whether there was one thing they’d always wanted to know about each other.

Speaking to the Radio Times’ YouTube channel, Rylan declared: “We ask everything. I know everything about that man, every measurement, every orifice.”

Taken aback by the response, Rob swiftly responded: “He means that in a figurative way, he doesn’t mean that literally just to be clear. He’s never explored there”. Rylan then quickly added: “No, not personally. I’ve seen them though”.

Rylan’s cheeky observation follows ongoing rumours that the duo are more than friends, but the claims have been dismissed by both whilst they have highlighted their solid friendship, reports the Manchester Evening News.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Presenters of the Daytime Award Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder pose in the Winners Room during the 2024 BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at The Royal Festival Hall on May 12, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/Getty Images)
Rob and Rylan have addressed their close friendship(Image: Joe Maher, Getty Images)

Earlier this year, Rylan spoke about how their bond had developed since they first worked together on Rob and Rylan’s Grand Tour.

He revealed to Bella: “We went into Grand Tour as acquaintances and left as friends. We’ve gone into A Passage to India as best friends and left as best friends.

“Much as I love him, Rob isn’t my boyfriend. I love him too much to marry him.” Rylan’s remarks come after he decided to make his romance with Kennedy Bates public, as the couple made their debut appearance together at BBC Radio 2 In The Park in Chelmsford.

ROB AND RYLAN PASSAGE TO INDIA
Rob and Rylan have become close friends in recent months (Image: BBC)

Discussing the fresh relationship with the Sun, one witness revealed:” Rylan and his new man looked seriously in love, they were having a great time together in the VIP. There was a lot of PDA and laughter and jokes among them.

“At one point, Rylan playfully smacked Kennedy on the bum while his boyfriend waited in the food truck. Kendall and Linda’s mother, Linda, also spoke to Rylan, and it’s obvious that the family has accepted him.

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Rylan had previously confessed to no longer being single on his BBC Radio 2 show when he revealed: “I might have said that I’m…it feels weird saying it on the radio!”

With contributors like renowned documentary maker Louis Theroux and a host of guests, Rylan has been presenting a podcast called “How To Be In Love” for the past few months.