Karen Carney has described her Strictly Come Dancing partner Carlos Gu as a "soft, gentle soul" and a "friend for life" after the pair were crowned champions of the 2025 series. Speaking on The Scott Mills Breakfast Show on BBC Radio 2, the former England footballer opened up about her bond with the professional dancer, who broke down in tears during Saturday's final.
Asked by Scott Mills whether Carlos was "alright" after getting emotional, Karen said: "He did. He's such a soft, gentle soul and I think the absolute world of him... I get to see him today, so I'm very excited." She added that she had not "had 24 hours without Carlos Gu in my life" and felt "blessed and lucky" to have him as her partner, describing him as "a friend for life".
Karen also revealed that she now carries tissues "everywhere" for Carlos, after Scott joked that he would bet on the dancer becoming tearful again. She said: "I carry tissues everywhere now just in case... Something just sets him off and he just gets upset and I have to give him a big cuddle."
The emotional reaction followed Carlos's own admission in the final that Karen had "changed his life". He said: "I came to Strictly after competitive life, I was self-centred, I was 'me, me, me'." He revealed he had been "lost for years" and suggested that was why he had not been paired with a celebrity in the 2024 series. He added that Karen taught him "how to be a kind humble person" and a team player.
After his tearful speech, the pair were declared winners of Strictly 2025, having scored a perfect 40 for their football-inspired Jive to Blondie's One Way or Another. Karen told viewers: "I cannot believe it... Thank you to this wonderful gentleman, we are a team. I could not have done this without you."
