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.

“Let’s see what happens next year. Hopefully I’ll get one then.”

a man and a woman are dancing on a stage

Kai Widdrington has opened up about not having a celeb partner this year

a man and a woman are dancing on a stage

Lauren Oakley has also missed out
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.