Strictly Come Dancing Champions Mark Victory with Matching Tattoos
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, the triumphant winners of the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing, have cemented their friendship by getting matching tattoos. The duo, who secured the Glitterball Trophy in 2025, revealed their new ink on social media, showcasing a heart and butterflies design that symbolises their journey on the BBC show.
Social Media Reveal and Celebrity Reactions
The TV star, Karen Carney, took to Instagram to share the news with her followers, posting a simple caption: "We did a thing..." accompanied by a series of emojis. In the photos, Karen displayed the tattoo on her torso, while Carlos proudly showed his on his wrist. The post quickly garnered attention from fellow celebrities and fans alike.
Among the comments, TV presenter Angela Scanlon, a former Strictly contestant, exclaimed: "LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU TWO!" Professional dancers from the show also joined in, with Gorka Marquez writing "Love it" and Amy Dowden adding "Loves it xxx." Karen's former football teammate Beth Mead simply said "Cute," while fans flooded the section with messages of admiration and support.
Inspiration Behind the Tattoo
The idea for the matching tattoos originated during a conversation on the Long Story Short podcast, hosted by Karen Carney and fellow Lioness Jill Scott. Carlos Gu, appearing as a guest before their victory, expressed his desire to transform Karen from a caterpillar into a butterfly through their dance partnership. He stated: "I wanna turn her from caterpillar into butterfly so if we are lucky enough to make it that far, I hope all the people can see the transformation she had and how beautiful and graceful she will be. That would be my dream."
In response, Jill Scott suggested: "That was really sweet. I think if you both win it, when you both win it, you should get matching butterfly tattoos." Both Karen and Carlos immediately agreed, saying in unison: "I would do that!" This heartfelt moment laid the groundwork for their post-victory celebration.
Reflections on Their Strictly Success
Following their win, Karen Carney and Carlos Gu appeared on This Morning to discuss their experience. Karen, who became the first-ever footballer to claim the Strictly title, expressed her disbelief and gratitude: "I can't believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey, and supported us." She also praised her professional partner, adding: "Thank you to this wonderful gentleman, we are a team and I couldn't have done it without you."
The pair defeated strong competitors, including West End star Amber Davies and YouTuber George Clarke, in the final, showcasing their chemistry and dedication throughout the series. Their matching tattoos now serve as a permanent reminder of their shared achievement and the bond forged during their time on the show.
