Former footballer Karen Carney sparked tears from professional Strictly Come Dancing partner Carlos Xu this week.

The couple’s American Smooth was met with mixed feedback from the judges, and Mr Xu became emotional as he reflected on the effort Ms Carney had put in.

The duo performed a dramatic routine, which was labelled “brittle” by Anton Du Beke, who urged her to be more “lyrical”.

Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood accused Ms Carney of being too fast and advised her to be “softer”.

BBC Strictly: Carlos Gu broke into tears

|BBC

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“I watched your VT Karen, and in that VT I saw you trying to get your posture and from week one to now your posture has come along so beautifully,” Shirley Ballas enthused.

She went on to note she had spotted the footballer’s “hard work” but also advised her to be “more consistent” with her progressing skills.

Motsi Mabuse labelled the routine as “strong”. Despite several positive comments, the pair seemed disappointed with the criticism they’d received.

Meeting presenter Claudia Winkleman to discuss the performance, Mr Xu broke down in tears.

BBC Strictly: Carlos Gu and Karen Carney received mixed feedback from the judges

|BBC

“Carlos, none of us like you crying!” Ms Winkleman stated before comforting the dancer.

“She worked so hard this week,” the Chinese National Champion shared through tears.

He went on to note that Mr Carney had been persistent in training despite struggling from a painful back, and was appreciative that the judges had noticed her improvement.

“I know the ballroom is not her strength, but she came into the training room and she really wanted to try hard.

“And she wanted to show she was improving just a little bit and just hearing them saying that, you have no idea how hard we worked!”

“I get it,” Ms Winklelam replied before turning to Ms Carney and continuing: “I know it means a lot and I know you are emotional as well because you really wanted to prove something.”

“I did, but I did not expect this from my guy here, so I want to do well for him,” Ms Carney admitted.

“He has been patient with me and protected me and given me the guidance. I am just happy for him. He is my guy and I am happy for that, so thank you.”

Viewers expressed sympathy for the pair on social media, with an X user asking: “Can we crown Karen and Carlos glitterball winners now??? #Strictly.”

Carlos Gu and Karen Carney performed a dramatic American Smooth

|BBC

“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 #Strictly.”

Another penned: “#Strictly they made Carlos cry,” along with an animation that read: “we ride at dawn”.

Someone else shared: “Carlos omg #strictly,” while another echoed: “PROTECT CARLOS SQUAD RISE #Strictly.”

“Please keep Karen and Carlos in I love them lovely partnership. She’s come a long way from non dancer to a beautiful dancer #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing,” added a fifth.

“Oh Carlos I love him soo much #strictly,” someone else penned.

“Karen and Carlos – Karen is so nice, humble, improved her dancing, deserves to win #strictly,” one fan added. (sic)