Strictly Come Dancing champion Karen Carney has offered a reassuring update on her professional dance partner, Carlos Gu, following his tearful and candid confession during Saturday night's grand final.
An Emotional Finale Moment
The 2025 series climax saw professional dancer Carlos Gu, 32, become visibly overwhelmed after performing his last dance with celebrity partner Karen Carney. In a raw moment broadcast live, Gu broke down in tears, telling host Claudia Winkleman he had been "self-centred" in the past. "I've been lost for years… no wonder I didn't get a partner last year because I was not grateful," he confessed, prompting Winkleman to rush to his side.
Carney's Heartfelt Radio Tribute
Speaking on BBC Radio 2's breakfast show with Scott Mills on Monday 22 December, former England footballer Carney reflected on the poignant incident. She described Gu as a "such a soft, gentle soul" and expressed how much she missed him after their intense training period. "I haven't had 24 hours without Carlos Gu in my life, so I've missed him," Carney admitted, confirming they were due to meet later that day.
She lavished praise on her partner, calling him "incredible" and stating she was "so blessed and lucky" to have been paired with him, emphasising he was "definitely a friend for life." Carney also revealed a charming habit born from Gu's emotional nature, admitting she now carries tissues everywhere "just in case" he has another outburst. "Something just sets him off and he just gets upset and I have to give him a big cuddle," she explained affectionately.
A Triumphant Journey to the Glitterball
Gu, who joined the BBC show in 2022, faced a challenging period before his triumphant 2025 win. After reaching the final with Molly Rainford in his debut year and finishing sixth with Angela Scanlon in 2023, he was not assigned a celebrity partner in 2024.
His partnership with Carney proved to be a winning formula. In the final, they faced tough competition from couples Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, and George Clarke and Alexis Warr. Carney and Gu sealed their victory with a perfect score of 40 for a football-themed jive to Blondie's "One Way or Another". They also earned top marks for a Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine Tango and a 37 for their showdance to Texas's "Inner Smile".
A speechless Carney paid tribute to Gu upon lifting the Glitterball Trophy, telling him: "Thank you to this wonderful gentleman. We are a team. I could not have done this without you."
The 2025 final was an especially significant broadcast, as it also marked the final hosting appearance of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who bowed out in style with a special royal surprise.
