Strictly feud ‘exposed’ as viewers spot ‘fuming’ star in background of final

This isn’t the first time rumours of a feud have surfaced

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu won Strictly Come Dancing (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)

Strictly Come Dancing viewers spotted one pro looking less than impressed during the final. On Saturday night, Karen Carney, George Clarke and Amber Davies battled it out to lift the glitterball trophy. But it was Karen, 38, and her partner Carlos Gu who were crowned the winners of the BBC competition. During the show, the remaining contestants performed three separate routines; a routine chosen by the judges, a new show dance and their favourite performance of the series.

For Karen and Carlos, their favourite routine was the Jive they performed in week one. Afterwards, in the Clauditorium, Carlos broke down in tears as he opened up about how Karen has changed his life following several years of being “self-centered” and “ungrateful”. A tearful Carlos said: “She changed my life. She’s the best thing I’ve ever had in 2025. I came to Strictly after competitive live, I was self-centered, I was ‘me me me.’ I’ve been lost for years… no wonder I didn’t get a partner last year because I was not grateful.”

He added: “[Karen] taught me how to be a kind, humble person, and for the first time, I learnt how to be a team player. I never used to be a team player, which I am so sad about.”

But it was Nancy Xu’s stony expression during Carlos’ speech that caught the attention of fans, leading some to claim that the two pros haven’t patched up their previous feud.

Despite being close friends since childhood, Carlos and Nancy reportedly fell out last year, with sources claiming they were “refusing to speak backstage.”

“If you don’t like him then stay out of camera shot and keep your feelings to yourself,” one fumed on X as another posted: “Could Nancy even attempt to hide her dislike for Carlos?”

A third echoed: “Nancy so not bothered by Carlos’ tears.”

Fans noticed Nancy’s stony facial expression throughout Carlos’ speech (Image: BBC)

After Karen and Carlos’ win, Nancy took to Instagram to congratulate them.

“Congratulations for all the final couples! And Well‑deserved Winner @kazcarney and Carlos,” she penned. But fans were quick to notice that Nany did not tag Carlos in the post, with some taking to the comments to draw their own conclusions.

One wrote: “Brilliant series! Shame there seems to be a bad atmosphere between you and Carlos. I guess, in my ideal world, I want you all to be BFFs.”

A second speculated: “Now Nancy is not tagging Carlos in her post for Karen. They clearly had a big fallout.”

A third said: “Gutted Nancy and Carlos are no longer friends. I hope the final has made them patch things up.”

Carlos and Nancy have been friends since childhood (Image: Instagram)

Their feud began in 2024, when Carlos was left disappointed over not receiving a celebrity partner, while Nancy was paired up with Shayne Ward.

An insider previously told The Sun: “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.”