Strictly Come Dancing pro Nancy Xu called out the show’s judges for what she deemed to be “unfair” treatment of her celebrity partner Shayne Ward after his surprise exit.

The latest episode of BBC dance competition saw first X factor winner and Coronation Street star eliminated in a result which many viewers thought it was a consequence of the allocation of the rumba – a dance considered particularly challenging.

Ward’s time on the show got off to an awkward start after he was criticized for appearing “overconfident” in the first episode. His departure from the series arrived in equally controversial fashion; the result was the first split decision between the judges so far in this series.

While Craig Revel Horwood and Motsi Mabuse chose to save Ward, sending songwriter Wynne Evans home, Anton Du Beke chose to save Evans, prompting the head judge Shirley Ballas to cast the deciding vote.

She said: “I don’t want to see either couple go, actually, because I thought you both had a great run in this series, but just based on this dance, you both had hiccups. Strong and joyful routine for me, so it was quite difficult for me to choose, but on this occasion, I will save Wynne and Katya.”

Ward’s pro partner Xu could be seen with a stony face as Ward spoke to host Tess Daly about his time on the show – a moment which was captured by viewers.

Confirming her disappointment, Xu shared a statement after the show’s results aired in which she suggested Ward was treated unfairly on the show.

Xu wrote in a lengthy Instagram post: “I’m so sorry that all the travel you’ve been getting criticized for seems more than it should be and people forget you’re coming from scratch! To put on every Saturday night show the way you did, you should deserve better! (chic).

“But I want you to know that something bigger and better is coming your way! And until you get more accurate results! I am (am) definitely disappointed that our trip ended like this!”

Xu added, “To me, you were already a winner since our first day’s rehearsals together. Your humility, kindness and respect for me is beyond anything! You don’t even mention how amazing you sing every Saturday night on the dance floor!

After Ward was accused of being “overconfident” in the first episode of the 2024 series, the singer and actor told VT the following week: “After Saturday’s (week one) show I got some negative comments on social media saying I was too confident.

“Some of them got to me, when in fact I am only human, I was afraid, I was terrified. And I hid it behind as much of a smile as possible.”

Ballas said after the performance in week two: “I saw how the week went for you and it was not pleasant in any way, shape or form.”

Strict continues on Saturday 16 November on BBC One and will be broadcast live from Blackpool.