Strictly Come Dancing professional Carlos Gu has offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the BBC show, revealing that the dancers are “always slagging each other off.” The 33-year-old champion, who lifted the Glitterball Trophy last year with former Lioness Karen Carney, shared insights about his relationships with fellow professionals.
Close Bonds and Friendly Banter
Carlos, who joined Strictly in 2022 alongside Vito Coppola, Lauren Oakley, and Michelle Tsiakkas, says he is “closest” to Welsh dancer Amy Dowden. The pair will perform together on their Reborn tour across the UK in May and June. He added, “I’m also quite close to Katya [Jones], and Nikita [Kuzmin] is my best pal — we’re very close. We play tennis together, and we’re always slagging each other off.”
Amy Dowden: An Inspiration
Carlos described Amy, who has been open about her breast cancer journey, as an “amazing dancer” and an “incredible inspiration.” He explained that the tour’s name, Reborn, reflects her fighting spirit. “I wanted the show to be about who we were and who we’re becoming,” he said. Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, underwent a mastectomy, and later revealed she had “another type of cancer” requiring chemotherapy. She missed the 2023 series but returned in 2024 with JLS singer JB Gill, though a foot injury forced her to withdraw.
Departures and Future Hopes
Michelle Tsiakkas recently announced she would not return to Strictly, calling it an “emotional time.” Professionals Karen Hauer, Nadiya Bychkova, and Luba Mushtuk have also left. Carlos believes exiting dancers are “ready to do something for themselves” and noted that professionals are “not there to be the star.”
Carlos also named TV presenter Angela Scanlon, his 2023 partner, as his pick to replace hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, calling her “witty, quick, and so interesting.” Current favourites for the role include Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Stacey Dooley, Fleur East, Janette Manrara, and Hannah Waddingham.
