“He’s a soft, gentle soul” — Carney reflects on Carlos Gu’s raw honesty, friendship, and their unforgettable Glitterball win
Fresh off a deeply emotional Strictly Come Dancing final, champion Karen Carney has shared a heartfelt update on her professional partner Carlos Gu, following his tearful on-air confession that moved viewers across the UK.
The moment unfolded during Saturday night’s live final, when Gu broke down in tears after the pair completed their last dance together. Speaking candidly to host Claudia Winkleman, the dancer admitted he had undergone a profound personal shift this season.
“I’ve been lost for years,” Gu said emotionally. “No wonder I didn’t get a partner last year — I wasn’t grateful. I was self-centred.”
Karen Carney Opens Up About Carlos Gu’s Emotional Side
Appearing on BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show with Scott Mills, Carney reflected on the powerful moment and offered reassurance to fans concerned about her partner.
“He’s such a soft, gentle soul,” she said. “I think the absolute world of him. I get to see him today and I’m so excited — I haven’t had 24 hours without Carlos Gu in my life, so I’ve really missed him.”
Carney described their bond as one that extends far beyond the ballroom, calling Gu “a friend for life” and praising his dedication, kindness, and emotional openness throughout the series.
“I Carry Tissues Everywhere” — A Friendship Built on Support
Carney also revealed she has become well-prepared for Gu’s emotional moments, joking that she now carries tissues everywhere “just in case.”
“Something just sets him off and he gets upset, and I have to give him a big cuddle,” she explained. “But he’s so lovely. He really is.”
Her comments painted a picture of a partnership built not only on choreography and discipline, but on trust, empathy, and mutual respect — a combination many fans believe helped power their winning run.
A Journey Years in the Making for Carlos Gu
Gu joined Strictly in 2022, reaching the final with Molly Rainford in his debut season. In 2023, he was partnered with Angela Scanlon, finishing sixth. The following year proved difficult, as Gu found himself sidelined on the substitutes’ bench in 2024.
That setback made his 2025 triumph with Carney all the more emotional, marking a full-circle moment in his Strictly career.
A Final Packed With Perfect Scores and High Emotion
Saturday night’s final saw Carney and Gu face stiff competition from Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, as well as George Clarke with Alexis Warr.
Carney and Gu sealed their victory with a high-energy, football-themed Jive to Blondie’s One Way or Another, earning a perfect score of 40. They also impressed judges with a Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine Tango and a joyful Showdance set to Texas’s Inner Smile.
“We Are a Team” — Karen Carney’s Winning Words
When announced as champion, Carney was visibly stunned.
“I cannot believe it,” she said. “Thank you to everybody who has supported my journey.”
Turning to Gu, she added: “Thank you to this wonderful gentleman. We are a team. I could not have done this without you.”
A Final to Remember on and off the Dancefloor
The 2025 Strictly final was emotional for more than just the contestants. It also marked the final night hosting the programme for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who bowed out after years fronting the beloved show and were honoured with a special royal surprise.
For viewers, the night became a celebration of growth, gratitude, and genuine human connection — none more so than the journey shared by Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, whose partnership reminded audiences that vulnerability can be just as powerful as perfection on the dancefloor.