Strictly’s Carlos Gu breaks down as he addresses why he didn’t receive a celeb partner in previous years in heartbreaking confession before lifting glitterball trophy with Karen Carney

Strictly Come Dancing professional Carlos Gu was overcome with emotion during the live final on Saturday night, as he made a candid admission about his journey on the show.

Carlos reached the final alongside England Lioness Karen Carney, with the pair taking to the dance floor for their final three routines before sensationally winning the competition.

However after their final dance, their jive, a football-themed performance set to Blondie’s One Way or Another, Carlos was visibly upset as he faced the judges standing next to Karen.

Moments later, his emotions spilled over in the Clauditorium while speaking to host Claudia Winkleman, who pointed out how often he had credited Karen for teaching him valuable lessons.

Struggling to compose himself, Carlos tearfully told viewers: ‘She’s changed my life. I I think she’s the best thing that I’ve ever had in 2025’.

He went on to admit that before joining the series he had been overly focused on himself, adding: ‘I came to Strictly after competitive life, I was self centred, I was ‘me, me, me’.

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Strictly Come Dancing professional Carlos Gu was overcome with emotion during the live final on Saturday night, as he made a candid admission about his journey on the show

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Carlos reached the final alongside England Lioness Karen Carney, with the pair taking to the dance floor for their final three routines in the fight for the glitter ball trophy

Carlos then shared why he thinks he hasn’t received a partner in previous years as he added: ‘I’ve been [here] the last three years – no wonder I didn’t get partner last year because I’m not grateful and she…she…’

Breaking down further, he reflected on how Karen had helped him grow both personally and professionally, saying she taught him kindness, humility and the importance of teamwork.

‘For the first time, I learned to be a team player,’ he said, before pausing to gather himself.

Claudia moved in to comfort the dancer saying: ‘Oh Carlos, you are! You are a team player. You are, and we love you and your partnership is everything.

‘You’re okay, baby. You’re amazing.’

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 struck a chord with viewers at home, many of whom said they were left emotional by Carlos’s openness.

‘i don’t cry in front of my mum EVER but carlos has just brought the tears i am a mess rn #strictly’;

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Struggling to compose himself, Carlos tearfully told viewers: ‘She’s changed my life. I I think she’s the best thing that I’ve ever had in 2025’

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Breaking down further, he reflected on how Karen had helped him grow both personally and professionally, saying she taught him kindness, humility and the importance of teamwork

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View gallery

Claudia moved in to comfort the dancer saying: ‘Oh Carlos, you are! You are a team player. You are, and we love you and your partnership is everything’

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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 struck a chord with viewers at home, many of whom said they were left emotional by Carlos’s openness

Join the debate

Did Karen deserve to win Strictly

‘carlos ilysm pls don’t cry ur my fav #Strictly’; ‘OMG Carlos having a breakdown #Strictly’

‘Carlos having a mini breakdown and therapy session in the Clauditorium – never change #strictly’

The scene proved to be a defining one in the final and just minutes 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 and Claudia received a special tribute VT after this year’s series highlights were aired.

However, they were left blown away as Craig Revel Horwood read out a special letter from Her Majesty The Queen.

It said: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.

‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

‘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.

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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.

‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’

The show had opened as Claudia wore her trademark black jacket with a white blouse and revealed how ‘keep dancing’ had been stitched onto the back – a nod to her and Tess’ famous slogan.

Tess opted for a stunning rose-gold sequined dress that featured a daring thigh-high slit and shoulderless design.