Carlos Gu emotional confession helps seal Strictly Come Dancing victory with Karen Carney

Carlos Gu, a Strictly Come Dancing professional, broke down emotionally during the live final Saturday night as he candidly reflected on his journey on the show. He reached the final alongside England Lioness Karen Carney, and the pair performed their final routines before being crowned the Glitterball trophy winners.

During their final routine, a football-themed jive set to Blondie's One Way or Another, Carlos faced the judges in the Clauditorium and was visibly moved. In a quiet moment with host Claudia Winkleman, he tearfully said: "She's changed my life. I think she's the best thing that I've ever had in 2025." He added that before joining Strictly he had been self-centered and focused on himself, noting, "I've been here the last three years—no wonder I didn't get a partner last year because I wasn't grateful."

Karen Carney's influence extended beyond dance steps; Carlos said she taught him kindness, humility and the importance of teamwork. "For the first time, I learned to be a team player," he said, pausing to collect himself. Claudia moved in to comfort the dancer, telling him, "Oh Carlos, you are a team player. You are, and we love you and your partnership is everything." The moment was followed by a perfect score of 40 from the judges, which left both Carlos and Karen in tears once again.

The raw exchange resonated with viewers online, many expressing that they were moved by Carlos's openness. One fan wrote on social media: "OMG Carlos having a breakdown and therapy session in the Clauditorium - never change #strictly." The scene proved to be a defining moment in the finale, and moments later the pair were crowned Strictly Come Dancing champions, beating fellow finalists George Clarke and Amber Davies. A stunned Karen struggled to take in the win, telling the audience: "I cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that's supported our journey, supported us, and thank you to this wonderful gentleman. We are a team, and I could not have done this without you. But honestly, I can't believe it, and it's been the biggest privilege and honour, and literally, I'm lost for words. I'm so sorry."

Before the result, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were given a special tribute during a VT showcasing this year's highlights. A reading from a letter attributed to Her Majesty The Queen followed, praising the show’s spirit and the bonds formed among its participants. The note read in part: "If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success. Karen and Carlos went on to win Strictly Come Dancing 2025 whilst Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bid goodbye to viewers in an emotional finale. I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life's journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing." The show opened with Claudia wearing her trademark black jacket with a white blouse, and the back bore the stitched phrase keep dancing, a nod to her and Tess' famous slogan. Tess opted for a rose-gold sequined dress that featured a daring thigh-high slit and shoulderless design.