Feuding Strictly stars awkwardly keep their distance during live show as shock fallout is revealed

TWO feuding Strictly pros awkwardly kept their distance from each other during last night’s live show.

We exclusively revealed how Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu have fallen out and are no longer on speaking terms.

The previously close pals didn’t interact during their time in the ‘Clauditorium’ – the part of the show that sees host Claudia Winkleman chat with each pairing after their performances.

At one point, Nancy, dressed as a member of The Beatles, stood beside her partner Shayne Ward on the edge of the group, while Carlos remained on the other side of the troupe, close to Amy Dowden.

On other occasions, they were closer but failed to speak.

After Nancy and Shayne closed the show with their Quickstep to Hey Jude, Carlos was absent from the Clauditorium altogether.

Reflecting on the routine, Nancy said: “We just wanted to have fun, make more memories, just forget about everything.”

The former best friends have unfollowed each other on social media and refusing to speak.

It follows a string of dramas on the BBC1 show, especially in co-host Claudia Winkleman’s interviewing area — dubbed the Clauditorium.

Pro exes Kai Widdrington and Nadiya Bychkova are avoiding each other — while Katya Jones and partner Wynne Evans are rarely seen there since his grope bungle.

Nancy, 33, and Carlos, 31, who both grew up in China, used to be best mates — with him branding her his “favourite sister” and Nancy calling him “my baby brother”.

Their rift comes while he is said to be disappointed at not getting a celebrity partner this year — and Nancy has been focused on her pairing with Shayne, 40.

An insider said: “The feud between Nancy and Carlos is really sad and has left everyone really shocked.

“They’ve been close since childhood, but have fallen out and unfollowed each other on socials.

“The atmosphere on set is said to be awkward and tense when both are around and to many, it was a relief when Carlos didn’t attend the show weeks ago.

“Carlos is said to be subdued after the falling-out and is also struggling with not getting a celebrity partner.

“His friends are worried about him as he is so far away from his family.

“He has wiped all pictures of her from his profile and unfollowing each other on Instagram is the ultimate finality in their friendship.

“With all the other drama in the Clauditorium, it’s the last thing bosses need.”

The Sun on Sunday approached the BBC for comment.

Last week it was reported that pros Kai, 29, and Nadiya, 35, refused to stand next to each other during the live show after splitting up in the summer.

A source said: “They may have big smiles when the cameras are running, but it’s very tense between them.”