Professional dancer Carlos Gu delivered a raw and emotional confession during the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final, breaking down in tears and telling host Claudia Winkleman he felt he hadn't deserved to be part of the show.
A Tearful Admission After the Final Dance
The poignant moment unfolded on Saturday 20th December 2025, immediately after Carlos and his celebrity partner, Karen Carney, completed their last sensational dance. An emotional Claudia Winkleman, 53, remarked that seeing Karen's mother in the audience had moved her, and praised Carlos for acknowledging how much Karen had taught him.
In a heartfelt response, a visibly overwhelmed Carlos replied, "She turned me into a man that I like. I think she's the best thing that I've ever had in 2025." He then revealed a painful self-reflection, explaining, "I came straightly after competitive life, I was self-centred, I was 'me, me, me'. I've been here the last three years, no wonder I didn't get a partner last year, because I'm not grateful."
Overcoming Emotion to Pay Tribute
Despite Claudia's attempts to reassure him, Carlos insisted on finishing his thought. "She taught me how to be a kind, humble person," he continued, "and for the first time I learned to be a team player. I've never been a team player, which I'm so sad about."
The pair shared a tearful embrace as the judges awarded them a perfect score of 40 points for their final performance. The evening was charged with sentiment for multiple reasons, marking the last time hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, 56, would present the flagship BBC programme together.
A Royal Finale for a Landmark Series
The emotional climax extended beyond the dance floor. After a thank-you message from the show's crew, judge Craig Revel Horwood surprised the hosts by reading out a letter from Her Royal Highness Queen Camilla, adding a regal seal to the farewell.
Carlos Gu's vulnerable moment laid bare the profound personal journey the competition can foster, transforming not just dance skills but character, in front of millions of viewers.
