Strictly Come Dancing's Nancy Xu flooded with support as she shares huge milestone

Nancy Xu has expressed her gratitude to fans as she marks a personal milestone and her return to Strictly Come Dancing.

The dancer is among the professionals returning for this year's series of the BBC One dance competition, which officially begins in the autumn.

Back in April, the BBC announced the professional line-up for the upcoming series of the popular dance programme. Alongside Nancy, Amy Dowden, Dianne Buswell, Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Gorka Marquez and Luba Mushtuk will all be back on the dance floor.

They will be joined by Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaz Skorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Michelle Tsiakkas, Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, Nikita Kuzmin and Vito Coppola.

However, the initial announcement did not include the complete line-up, as it was also revealed that two brand new professional dancers would be making their debut, reports Manchester Evening News.

The newcomers have since been identified as So You Think You Can Dance champion Alexis Warr and Australia's Dancing With The Stars' Julian Caillon, who were seen joining the pros in preparation for Strictly 2025.

As they returned to prepare to pre-record the group numbers featured throughout the series, Nancy also celebrated her birthday this week. She shared an update on social media, which was quickly inundated with birthday wishes.

Nancy took to social media with a video of her confident walk down the street, announcing: "Birthday today! Also celebrating 7 years since I started my #Strictly journal! I feel so grateful for everything that has come my way. Here's to many more adventures to come!"

Fleur East, host of Strictly It Takes Two, chimed in with a cheerful "Happy Birthday." Ellie Leach, crowned Strictly's 2023 winner, sent her regards: "Happy birthday Nancy xuuuu."

Montell Douglas, a contender from last year and Gladiators celebrity, remarked: "Happy birthday gorge."

Fan @bettymercer22 posted: "Happy birthday. I love watching you on Strictly they are very lucky to have you."

Another follower, @poppy. morrison_, expressed: "Happy Birthday you ray of SUNSHINE. I hope you feel so celebrated today, and this year brings you all good things."

And @be_a_flamingo_66 contributed: "Happy birthday Nancy. Keep on shining you beautiful soul."

Strictly Come Dancing is available to watch on BBC iPlayer