This Saturday night, the glittering finale of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 is poised to witness a historic victory. Professional dancer Carlos Gu, partnered with former England footballer and pundit Karen Carney, is the overwhelming favourite to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Odds-On Favourites for a Historic Win
Bookmakers have placed the duo as clear frontrunners, with Coral offering odds of 4-9 on a Carney and Gu win. This translates to a 70 per cent chance of victory, leaving their fellow finalists, social media star George Clarke and Love Island's Amber Davies, trailing behind. A win for Carlos, 32, would be a landmark moment for the BBC show, making him the first openly gay and first Asian professional dancer to claim the ultimate prize.
The Chinese-born dancer, originally from Taiyuan, has forged an impressive path to the final. He began his training in his homeland, rising to become the Chinese National Latin Champion before moving to the UK. His Strictly journey started in 2022, finishing as runner-up with EastEnders star Molly Rainford, followed by a sixth-place finish with Angela Scanlon in 2023.
A Journey of Self-Discovery and Triumph
While his professional achievements shine, Carlos has spoken candidly about the personal challenges he faced before finding acceptance in the UK. In a heartfelt interview on ITV's Lorraine in July, he revealed the difficulties of growing up gay in China, where public discussion of homosexuality is heavily restricted.
"I moved to this country. I had a different life. I am finding my true self in this country," Carlos said. "Being gay in China, it's really hard to talk about it. You can't say a word on TV, in public, no word." He described life in Britain as feeling "like home," offering him opportunities for growth and self-expression.
Carlos also paid tribute to his mother, a single parent, for her unwavering support despite initial difficulties. "The time when I told her I want to move to the UK and I want to get this job on Strictly, she actually supported me 100 per cent because she knew I would be happier there," he explained.
Karen Carney's Inspiring Strictly Story
For his partner, Karen Carney, 38, reaching the final is a triumph in itself. The retired footballer, who earned 144 caps for England, has captivated audiences with her dedication and vulnerability on the dance floor.
Her journey has been physically and emotionally demanding. Karen lives with Scheuermann's disease, a condition causing curvature of the spine, which she discussed openly during the competition. She has also previously spoken about battling depression, self-harm, and addiction to sleeping pills following a knee injury during her football career, as well as enduring horrific online abuse that led to suicidal thoughts.
Despite these challenges, her Strictly stint has been a resounding success, gaining her over 71,000 new Instagram followers. After securing her place in the final, an emotional Karen said, "I felt like I'd won a competition being cast, let alone coming this far." The pair will perform their show dance to Texas's "Inner Smile."
As the nation prepares to vote for the final time, all eyes are on the ballroom. A win for Carlos Gu and Karen Carney would not only crown a deserving champion but also mark a significant, celebratory moment in Strictly Come Dancing's storied history.
