Strictly Star Carlos Gu Details 'Relentless Arguments' with Amy Dowden
Strictly Come Dancing professional Carlos Gu has candidly discussed the turbulent dynamics of his friendship with fellow dancer Amy Dowden, describing their bond as akin to siblings rather than mere colleagues. In a revealing interview, Gu admitted that their relationship is far from perfect, marked by frequent clashes as well as camaraderie.
From Ballroom to Battles on Celebrity Hunted
Gu highlighted how their conflicts came to the forefront during their participation in Celebrity Hunted, where the pressure of the competition led to intense arguments. "We recently filmed Celebrity Hunted and the arguments were relentless - we nearly murdered each other!" he told Heat Magazine. Despite the friction, Gu emphasized that this experience ultimately strengthened their connection, with Dowden taking on a leadership role while he provided entertainment.
Praise and Personal Challenges
As the duo prepares to embark on a tour next month, Gu expressed admiration for Dowden, calling her "an amazing dancer and an incredible inspiration." He linked the tour's title, Reborn, to their personal journeys, noting it reflects "who we were and who we’re becoming."
Both dancers have faced significant personal hurdles in recent years. Dowden has been vocal about her health struggles, including a diagnosis of grade three breast cancer in 2023, which led to chemotherapy and a mastectomy. Although she has since confirmed there is no evidence of disease, she continues with regular check-ups and ongoing care. Additionally, she manages Crohn’s disease and has endured setbacks such as a broken foot, sepsis, and blood clots.
Despite these challenges, Dowden recently shared on Instagram that she feels "happier, stronger and more confident than ever" and hopes to return to Strictly this year. In an interview with The Metro, she stated, "If I’m asked back, I’d love to get to Blackpool on Strictly to prove to myself that I’m back to where I was before cancer. I'd love to enjoy my tenth year on the show, then move into presenting - and maybe one day even join the judging panel."
Uncertain Future on Strictly Come Dancing
The future of both dancers on the BBC show remains uncertain, as the network has yet to announce which professionals will return for the upcoming season. This follows the recent departure of four dancers from the line-up. Gu acknowledged the anxiety this creates, saying on Kate Thornton's White Wine Question Time podcast, "We’ve all seen the news, but nothing’s been confirmed by the BBC yet, so we’re waiting. Being in a position where you don’t know if you’re staying or not is scary. We work so hard, but some things are simply out of your hands."
For Gu, the tour's theme of rebirth also resonates with his own life-changing decision to move from China to the UK to join Strictly, which ended his 20-year dance partnership with Susan Sun. Although this initially caused tension, they have since reconciled, with Sun congratulating him on his Glitterball trophy win with Karen Carney last year.
As fans await news on the Strictly line-up, Gu and Dowden's story underscores the resilience and complex relationships that define their careers, blending professional dedication with personal growth amid ongoing challenges.
