Strictly Come Dancing fans were moved to tears after watching professional Carlos Gu break down with compassion for his celebrity partner, former Lioness, Karen Carney. The pair returned to the BBC dancefloor for week eight in a bid to be among those dancing at the iconic Blackpool special. Karen and Carlos performed the American Smooth to Lesley Grace’s 1963 hit, You Don’t Own Me. However, it was during judges’ feedback that the Chinese native became emotional, as head judge Shirley Ballas complimented Karen’s posture.

Shirley said: “Karen, I watched your VT, and I saw you trying to get your posture. You know, from week one to now, your posture has come along so beautifully. I first wanted to commend that because I see your hard work.” She continued: “I saw some flow, up and over, and I saw some elbows, wrists and hands.” However, before Shirley could finish, host Tess Daly rushed to comfort Carlos, who was in floods of tears.” Noticing this, fans quickly inundated the professional with support as one penned: “Carlos is just the sweetest in the world, he’s so proud of Kaz, I’m just bawling along with him, dark horses I feel.” Another pleaded: “I can’t handle Carlos crying, someone hug him #strictly.”

A third fan admitted: “Oh god, I am now in bits watching Carlos, these two are my winners! #strictly.”

Another echoed: “Carlos crying because of Karen, STOP IT I’m crying with him #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”

“I’m in tears after Kaz and Carlos’ dance. She has worked SO hard on her posture, even though it must be painful. It must be lovely for the pro when they hear the judges talk about the improvement they see in their celeb,” said a fifth.

Even more tears were shed in the Clauditorium as the pro revealed he was overwhelmed with emotion due to Karen’s health issues, which limit the amount of movement she can do.

Before receiving their scores from the judges, host Claudia Winkleman told the pro: “Carlos, none of us like you crying.”

To which he admitted: “I know, but hearing that, and she [Karen] works so hard. I know the ballroom is not her strength, but she came into the training room and she said, ‘Carlos, I really want to try hard. I know my back has problems, but I really want to try, and I really want to show that I’m improving.’”

He broke down even further as he added: “And just hearing them say that, you have no idea how hard she’s been working this week, sorry … she couldn’t stop dancing, sorry.”

After comforting him, Claudia reassured: “No, it’s okay because I know it means a lot, I know you’re emotional as well becasue you really wanted to prove something.”

“I did, but I didn’t expect this from my guy [Carlos] here, so I want to do well for him. He’s been patient with me, he’s protected me, he’s given me the guidance, so I’m just happy for him,” Karen confessed.