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 pro Carlos Gu was overcome with emotion as he made a candid confession about his journey on the show during Saturday night’s live final.

Carlos reached the final alongside British Lioness Karen Carney and the pair took to the dance floor for their final three routines before sensationally winning the competition.

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

Moments later, his emotions boiled over as he spoke with host Claudia Winkleman at the Clauditorium. Winkleman expressed how grateful he was to Karen for teaching him valuable lessons.

Trying to compose himself, Carlos tearfully told the audience: ‘He changed my life. I think it’s the best thing I have in 2025.

He admitted that he was very focused on himself before joining the series, adding: ‘After the competitive life, I focused on myself, I was self-centered, it was ‘me, me, me’.

Carlos reached the final alongside England Lioness Karen Carney and the pair took to the dance floor for their final three routines in the battle for the glitter ball trophy.

Carlos then shared why he thought he had not taken on a partner in previous years, adding: ‘I [here] For the last three years – no wonder I couldn’t get a partner last year because I’m not grateful and he… he…’

More specifically, he described how Karen helped him grow both personally and professionally, saying that Karen 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 collect himself.

To reassure the dancer, Claudia said: ‘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 are great.’

This moment was followed by the jury’s perfect score of 40, leaving both Carlos and Karen in tears once again.

The raw speech struck a chord with viewers at home, with many saying they were left emotional by Carlos’ candor.

‘I NEVER cry in front of my mother but Carlos just caused tears, I’m an absolute embarrassment #absolutely’;

Trying to compose himself, Carlos tearfully told the audience: ‘He changed my life. I think it’s the best thing I have in 2025.

More specifically, he described how Karen helped him grow both personally and professionally, saying that Karen taught him kindness, humility, and the importance of teamwork.

To reassure the dancer, Claudia said: ‘Oh Carlos, you are! You are a team player. ‘You are, we love you and your partnership is everything’

This moment was followed by the jury’s perfect score of 40, leaving both Carlos and Karen in tears once again.

The raw speech struck a chord with viewers at home, with many saying they were moved by Carlos’s candor.

‘Carlos ilysm please don’t cry for my favorite #Absolutely’; ‘Oh my god Carlos #He’s definitely having a fit’

‘Carlos has a mini crisis and therapy session in the Clauditorium – never #absolutelychange’

There was a decisive scene in the final and moments later the pair beat fellow finalists George Clarke and Amber Davies to become Strictly Come Dancing champions.

A stunned Karen struggled to take the win and told the audience: ‘I can’t believe this. I want to thank everyone who supported us and this wonderful gentleman who supported our journey.

‘We are a team and I couldn’t do this without you. But I honestly can’t believe it and it’s been the greatest privilege and honor for me and I’m literally lost for words. I’m so sorry.’

Before the result, Tess and Claudia received a special VT following the airing of this year’s highlights.

But they were stunned when Craig Revel Horwood read a private letter from Her Majesty the Queen.

It read: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to make your final return, I want to thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you every week.

‘I’ve often thought: Rather than a show strictly about dance, it’s about friendships, bonds formed, struggles overcome and the shared joy of taking on a common endeavour.

‘If this is true, then perhaps yours was the greatest partnership of all. The warmth, compassion and pure happiness you radiate from each other has been at the core of the show’s success.

Karen and Carlos win Strictly Come Dancing 2025, while Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bid farewell to viewers in an emotional finale

‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you are utterly gorgeous. I wish you both success wherever your life journey takes you, but as someone who has appreciated the lifelong benefits, promise us one thing, keep dancing.

‘With my sincerest gratitude and admiration, Her Majesty Queen Camilla.’

The show had begun with Claudia wearing her trademark black jacket with a white blouse and showing off how “keep dancing” was stitched on the back, a nod to her and Tess’s famous catchphrase.

Tess opted for a striking rose gold sequined gown with a bold, thigh-high slit and off-the-shoulder design.