BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans 'fuming' as popular pro snubbed 'once again'

Strictly Come Dancing's first live show of the new series aired last night, and as expected, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Highlights included Chris McCausland, the show's first-ever blind contestant, taking to the dance floor and the triumphant return of professional dancer Amy Dowden following her battle with cancer.

A heated moment between Pete Wicks and his dance partner Jowita Przystal had fans speculating about an on-screen kiss. The duo performed a paso doble to The Prodigy's hit Breathe, and at one point their faces were so close that viewers took to social media to question if they had kissed.

The episode (September 21) saw all 15 couples perform live for the first time, with the first elimination scheduled for next weekend's show. JLS singer JB Gill and his partner Amy Dowden topped the leaderboard, closely followed by Love Islander Tasha Ghouri and professional Aljaz Skorjanec.

Despite the excitement, some die-hard fans expressed disappointment over popular dance professional Carlos Gu not receiving a partner this series.

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Carlos Gu joined Strictly in 2022, partnering with CBBC star Molly Rainford and reaching the final. In 2023, he was paired with TV presenter Angela Scanlon, but they were eliminated before getting close to the coveted glitterball trophy, reports the Mirror.

One fan expressed their disappointment, writing: "Still fuming because Carlos doesn't have a partner I loved him and Angela last year! " Another chimed in: "Can't believe Carlos does not have a partner this year #Strictly," and a third lamented: "Idk if I can go this season without Carlos."

The absence of a dancing partner for Carlos Gu isn't the only talking point of the new Strictly season. Lauren Oakley and Kai Widdrington are among other professional dancers who haven't been paired with a celebrity contestant.

Though these pro dancers don't have their own celebrity partners for the competition, the audience will still catch sight of them shining in the series' spectacular group dance performances.