Shayne Ward responds after Strictly viewers dub him 'cocky'

The actor has denied the claims

Author: Alex RossPublished 25th Sep 2024
Last updated 25th Sep 2024

There's no denying the fact former Coronation Street actor Shayne Ward has a very competitive side, with the singer admitting in the weeks leading up to Strictly Come Dancing that he's set his sights on winning the show.

And after his opening performance alongside professional dancer Nancy Xiu during last weekend's show, it's clear to see the 39-year-old has some rhythm in those hips.

However, after watching him perform and hearing him speak about his chances for the show, a number of Strictly viewers took to social media to call the former X Factor winner 'cocky' and 'over-confident'.

After seeing the upsetting comments, Shayne has now taken to his Instagram Story to deny the allegations, revealing he's actually just 'nervous'.

Sharing a black and white selfie, he wrote: 'Strictly is amazing and I love being part of it.

'But through my smile on TV I'm as nervous as the next person. Not cocky or overconfident…

'I’m nervous! I just gotta work hard and listen to my wonderful teacher @nancy_xuxi. All I can do is my best.' (sic)

Shayne, who won the second series of The X Factor way back in 2005, performed a Samba to 'Do I Do' by Stevie Wonder during last Saturday's show, scoring 21/30 from the judges and putting him in 10th place on the leaderboard.

The pair will be hoping to improve their score this week as they perform a Tango to Teddy Swims' hit song 'The Door'.

Check out all of this year's Strictly pairings below:

Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell - WINNERS


Tasha Ghouri and Aljaž Škorjanec


Sarah Hadland and Vito Coppola


JB Gill and Amy Dowden

After injuring her foot, Amy was forced to withdraw from the competition, with Lauren Oakely stepping in to take her place.

Pete Wicks and Jowita Przystal - ELIMINATED


Montell Douglas and Johannes Radebe - ELIMINATED


Jamie Borthwick and Michelle Tsiakkas - ELIMINATED


Wynne Evans and Katya Jones - ELIMINATED


Shayne Ward and Nancy Xu - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Eight.

Sam Quek and Nikita Kuzmin - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Seven.

Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Six.

Paul Merson and Karen Hauer - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Five.

Nick Knowles and Luba Mushtuk - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Four.

Toyah Willcox and Neil Jones - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Three.

Tom Dean and Nadiya Bychkova - ELIMINATED

Eliminated in Week Two.

Strictly Come Dancing airs every Saturday and Sunday night on BBC One.

Now read:

Nick Knowles gives injury update ahead of upcoming Strictly live show

Diane Buswell praises Strictly partner Chris McCausland after amazing first dance

Everything you need to know about Strictly Come Dancing 2024

How to listen to Hits Radio Chilled:

Hits Radio Chilled is the radio station to listen to when you want to escape the craziness of our connected world. Playing Laidback Hits and Throwbacks from Hits Radios’ favourite artists including Lewis Capaldi, Becky Hill, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift and Cian Ducrot. Hits Radio Chilled brings you the perfect playlist to help you relax and recharge. Available on DAB Digital Radio, online at hitsradiochilled.co.uk, on the Rayo app and on smart speakers “Play Hits Radio Chilled".