Strictly Come Dancing faces criticism for sidelining popular pro dancers Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley, and Kai Widdrington in the new season.

STRICTLY fans have been left furious after they realised three pros have been ‘ditched’ in the new series.

The BBC One series returned on Saturday night with a glittering launch show.

a group of people sitting on a couch in front of a sign that says strictly come dancing

Strictly fans have been left furious after they realised three pros have been ‘ditched’ in the new series

a group of people are dancing on a stage with a disco ball in the background

15 celebs were paired up on tonight’s launch shows

a man and a woman are dancing on a stage

Carlos Gu has not been given a celeb partner this year

It saw the 15 new celebrities paired up with a professional partner.

However, by the end of the programme, Strictly fans realised three of their favourites had been left without a celeb.

Michelle Tsiakkas was given her first ever celebrity – having been paired with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick – returning pro Aljaž Škorjanec was also given a partner in the form of Love Island‘s Tasha Ghouri.

But that meant Carlos Gu, Lauren Oakley and Kai Widdrington were not given a celebrity to train.

This is despite the fact that Carlos and Kai have been finalists in the past, and Lauren won a legion of fans last year when paired with Krishnan Guru-Murthy.

Strictly fans were quick to share their fury on X, with one writing: “Have just been ranting about this for the last 20 minutes. Who’s idea was it to ditch Carlos, Lauren and Kai?!?”

Another raged: “I will be writing incredibly strongly worded letters about the benching of Lauren and Carlos. WHO’S BAD IDEA WAS THAT?”

A third added: “Don’t get me wrong, I love Aljaz, but what was the point of bringing him back if it means great pros like Kai and Carlos are left without a partner? I’m especially gutted that we’re not going to see Carlos.”

Meanwhile a fourth shared: “I’m really sad that Lauren, Kai and Carlos have been benched though…someone has to be but not necessarily who I would have chosen if I’m honest.”

They weren’t alone with their anger, as a fellow Strictly viewer tweeted: “WHO thought it was a good idea to bench Kai, Carlos and Lauren!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not cool.”

Kai has already broken his silence on not having a partner this year, having previously danced with AJ Odudu, Kaye Adams and most recently, Angela Rippon.

He told the Daily Star: “Everyone wants to get a celebrity.

“Unfortunately it wasn’t my time this series. Two boys couldn’t have one this series and sadly I am one of them.