Strictly Come Dancing staff are allegedly “dreading” the return of former EastEnders star Nina Wadia for the final.
The BBC were reportedly left “distinctly unimpressed” after she criticised the series once she’d left the show.
An insider said: “It’s left a very sour taste in the mouth.”
Another told The Mirror that she “wasn’t the most positive force backstage” before adding: “She is coming back for the final, which we are slightly dreading.”
However, Nina’s Strictly co-stars have since hit back at the claims.
Taking to his Instagram page, BBC Breakfast’s Dan Walker penned: “@nina.wadia was so good and obviously gutted to go out early but she was brilliant fun and great with everyone. I will be one of many who can’t wait to see her next week.
Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies added: “Me too! Nina is such a fabulous person and I’m gutted we didn’t get to spend more time together and can’t wait to hang out this week!
Nina, 52, who played Albert Square’s Zainab Masood, thanks Dan for his kind words, writing: “Thank you Dan. Much appreciated…”
Actress Nina is due to return for the final’s group dance with the other eliminated celebs.
She lost the first dance-off of the series, scoring 18 for her tango with partner Neil Jones, despite judge Craig Revel Horwood saying: “Nina, you got every step right.”
She lost out against Hollyoaks actress Katie McGlynn, 28, in the dreaded dance-off.
Nina told The Lads Dads and Couple Beers podcast: “If you have a competition, have a level playing field. Or if not that, at least mark accordingly.”
She said: “You can’t give someone like me a three when I tried so hard at something so technically difficult, then give someone else who had a bit of a mistake a seven just because they looked good.
“I don’t understand the marking system at all. I don’t think the marking system makes any sense. I thought, ‘OK, this is only week two, you know, you make a little mistake, you’re only human’.
“The way it was marked down, it was shocking, actually shocking.”
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
The insider said the comments allegedly put “more than a few noses out of joint.”
As she left the Strictly ballroom, Nina said: “It’s been really fun, thank you so much. Neil is incredible, thank you.”
Professional partner Neil Jones added: “You’ve been a dream. Second partner on the show for me. I wouldn’t have wanted anybody else.
“You’ve been fantastic and so much fun.
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“Literally, we’re like a married couple – you’ve got both husbands here tonight!
He added: “It’s been so much fun together, you said you wanted to dance and you’ve done two fantastic dances and I’m really, really, really proud of you.”
Daily Star has contacted the BBC for a comment.
Strictly Come Dancing continues Sunday night on BBC One
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
