As Gigi Hadid pulls out of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, these are the other VS models you won't see walking the 2017 runway in Shanghai

With reports of models struggling to get visas, staff battling with the Chinese government for permission to send press releases and bloggers cancelling their trips due to difficulty getting into the country, the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has come up against some of its biggest hurdles to date this year.

But just when things seemed to be settling down for the lingerie giant, one of its most popular models has just dropped out.

Announcing the news last night on Twitter, Gigi Hadid said: "I’m so bummed I won’t be able to make it to China this year."

"Love my VS family, and will be with all my girls in spirit!!"

"Can't wait to tune in with everyone to see the beautiful show I know it will be, and already can't wait for next year! :) x"

And while the reason behind her decision to miss this year's show is so far unconfirmed, there is speculation that she may be another of the models struggling with a Chinese visa.

When she was first revealed to be walking, there was immediate backlash and the hashtag #GigiGetOutOfChina began trending on Twitter after she appeared in a video - posted by her younger sister Bella - in which she appeared to be mocking Asian facial features.

She has since apologised via Chinese social media site Weibo.

Bella Hadid appears to remain in the line-up, having posted countdowns to the showcase on her Instagram in recent days.

Another model absent from this year's runway will be Kendall Jenner, reportedly due to a contractual agreement. She is an ambassador for Italian lingerie brand La Perla and is supposedly not walking Victoria's Secret due to a non-compete clause in her contract.

Behati Prinsloo was also reportedly rejoining the fold having missed last year to have a baby, but has recently announced that she is expecting her second child and will not be walking in Shanghai.

Click through our gallery to see more familiar faces who will not be taking to the Victoria's Secret catwalk this year