Strictly Come Dancing professional Carlos Gu, 33, has revealed that he learned English by watching the period drama Downton Abbey, aspiring to speak like actress Maggie Smith. Born in Taiyuan, China, Gu moved to the UK to join Strictly in 2022.
“I started to learn English from Downton Abbey. All I wanted was to sound like Maggie Smith. I love posh and upper class things,” Gu said.
From China to Strictly Champion
Gu recently won the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing with Lioness Karen Carney. However, his love for British culture began long before his move, particularly through music. A massive Adele fan since 2010, Gu admitted to an extraordinary act of devotion: “One time I even stole my mum's credit card and I went to Belfast to watch her concert. I was still living in China, so it was far away and I loved it. I am so connected to her song A Million Years Ago and it helped me through the toughest time of my life, when I lost my cousin from cancer.”
Family Support and Dance Beginnings
While dancing is not typically a first-choice profession for boys in China, Gu says his mother provided unconditional love and support. “They wanted me to be manly, muscular and strong. My mum realised she could not suppress my passion for dancing, so she sent me to a dance club and the rest is history. I joined Strictly and learned so many dances. My mum gave me so much unconditional love.”
Speaking at his new solo one-man cabaret show Hush: An Evening with Carlos Gu in London’s West End, Gu expressed particular fondness for his 2023 partner, TV presenter Angela Scanlon. “We had such a great time. It felt like we knew each other before we met.”
Rising Standards and Future Aspirations
Gu believes the standard of celebrity dancing on Strictly has risen dramatically. “The Strictly celebs level has become higher and higher each year. If you watch the beginning of Strictly, they could barely dance.” He also praised fellow pro dancer Katya Jones, saying, “Who knows if I will win it this year. I think it will be Katya.”
When Gu decided to adopt a Western first name instead of his Chinese name, Gu Kunxuan, he initially considered Bob. But he settled on Carlos after his teacher told him, “No Latin dancer is going to be called Bob.” Despite this, he admires choreographer Bob Fosse, the creative genius behind Broadway musicals like Sweet Charity and Chicago. Gu dreams of playing the Emcee in Cabaret in the West End. “It is my dream to play the Emcee in Cabaret, so hopefully one day I will be there. I love the music and Bob Fosse and Liza Minnelli. My dream is to become the next Liza in a male version. I want to call myself Liza Gu. I will have to register the name.”
However, his singing aspirations may be hindered by a comment from his cousin, a pianist, who told him he was “tone deaf” and “can't sing.”
