Carlos Gu opens up on Strictly journey as he and Karen Carney win Glitterball trophy

Carlos Gu, a Strictly Come Dancing professional, was overcome with emotion during the live final on Saturday as he reflected on his journey on the show and candidly discussed why he has not always had a celebrity partner in previous seasons. He advanced to the final with England Lioness Karen Carney, in a pairing that carried the show into its climactic moments.

They closed the competition with three routines, including a football-themed jive set to Blondie's One Way or Another, a performance that set the stage for an emotional sequence in the Clauditorium after the last dance. Carlos faced the judges and host Claudia Winkleman with tears welled, a scene that drew a swift show of support from the audience at home and in the studio.

In a tearful moment, Carlos told viewers that Karen had changed his life and that, for the first time, he learned to value teamwork and kindness. 'She''s changed my life. I think she''s the best thing that I''ve ever had in 2025,' he said, explaining how their partnership helped him reframe his approach to competition and collaboration.

He also opened up about his past on the show, acknowledging that he had previously been focused on himself and his own career. He credited Karen with guiding him toward humility and a more team-oriented mindset, saying that her mentorship helped him become a better dancer and a better colleague.

Claudia Winkleman stepped in to comfort him, telling Carlos that he was a true team player and that his partnership had been 'everything' to the competition. The moment helped lift the mood around the room as the couple received a perfect 40 from the judges, sealing their victory with renewed emotion.

The win established Carney and Gu as Strictly Come Dancing 2025 champions, defeating finalists George Clarke and Amber Davies. After the results, Carney struggled to take in the moment and thanked viewers and supporters, noting that she could not have done it without Gu and emphasizing that the pair were a team.

Across social media, viewers described the moment as watershed and deeply moving, praising Gu for his candor and thanking Carney for her guidance. Posts described him as emotional, grateful, and humble in a way that resonated with longtime fans of the show.

A special tribute package aired for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who bid farewell to the audience after this year's series. Craig Revel Horwood then read a letter from Queen Camilla, who praised the show's spirit and its 'greatest Strictly partnership' claims and encouraged the hosts to keep dancing. The Queen's note emphasized that Strictly's strength lies in friendships, bonds formed, and shared joy, and she closed with a call to carry on dancing. The moment underscored the emotional arc of the night as the show looked ahead to its next season.

Claudia and Tess's finale appearance closed a year in which the show highlighted partnerships and personal growth. The supervising judge and the production team left the audience with a lasting message: dancing, friendship, and perseverance remain at the heart of Strictly Come Dancing.