Carlos Gu joined the Strictly Come Dancing professional line-up in 2022 and quickly became a firm favourite thanks to his technical flair, charisma, and emotionally charged choreography. Get to know more about Carlos – his dance background, Strictly highlights, achievements, and what makes him one of the most exciting dancers in the Strictly family. Table of Contents
Who was Carlos’ Celebrity Partner in Strictly 2025?
In 2025, Carlos was partnered with former England footballer and lead football pundit, Karen Carney (age 37).
Lioness Karen is the most successful footballer to compete on Strictly Come Dancing – ever! And to add to that she was crowned champion of the 2025 season!
Huge congratulations to Carlos and Karen Strictly 2025 Champions!
The studio was jubilant as the 2025 winners were announced. a well deserved win for the couple. Here’s how their final went…
Carlos and Karen reprise their Red Right Hand as the judges chose their Paso Doble from Halloween week. Shirley said “deadly on the dancefloor, focused and tuned in, one of my favourite numbers I’ve ever seen”. High praise and the first perfect score of the final!
Carlos and Karen release their Inner Smile with their Showdance. The judges loved the energy. Motsi concluded they left their heart on the dance floor!
A rare choice Carlos and Karen bring back their first dance of the season, a Jive. One Way Or Another they were out to impress! A perfect score and a FAB-U-LOUS from Craig.
Karen’s competitive edge and Carlos’s bold choreography brought intensity, style and energy to their routines.
Who did Carlos Gu partner on Strictly in 2024?
In the 2024 Strictly series, Carlos was not partnered with a celebrity, but still played a key role in the spectacular group numbers throughout the season. He also toured in 2025 with fellow pro Amy Dowden, wowing audiences around the UK.
5* Weekend Breaks Carlos Is Attending
Who better to teach you to dance than the professional dancers from Strictly Come Dancing? You can meet the stars, learn their steps and be captivated as they perform spectacular shows just for you.
📆 Friday 17th – Sunday 19th July 2026
📍 5* Celtic Manor Resort Hotel & Spa, Newport
✨ Starring Strictly 2025 Champion Carlos & Amy, Gorka & Karen, Aljaz & Janette, Leandro & Maria, Glenn & Caroly
⌛ Early Bird £719pp Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
🛏️ Superior, Deluxe & Signature Bedrooms & Suites available
Carlos Gu Facts – Height, Age, Dance Partners, Relationships, Awards, Tours
How old is Carlos Gu?
Carlos is currently 31 years old, born on 6th January 1994.
How tall is Carlos?
Carlos stands at 1.65m (approx. 5ft 5in) tall.
Where is Carlos from?
Carlos was born in China, where his competitive dance journey began and flourished. His international background brings a rich fusion of styles to the Strictly ballroom.
Who is Carlos’s professional dance partner?
Outside of Strictly, Carlos has been dancing with Susan Sun since 2011. Together they’ve competed internationally, racking up over 80 competitive results in Latin categories.
Carlos tours & performs with Strictly Professional Amy Dowden MBE.
What’s Carlos’s favourite dance?
Carlos has revealed his favourite style is the Rumba – a dance he often uses to showcase storytelling and technique.
Is Carlos in a relationship?
Carlos prefers to keep his private life under wraps. While he regularly shares photos with friends and dance partner Susan Sun, he has not confirmed any romantic relationships.
What are Carlos’s greatest dance achievements?
Carlos Gu is one of the most highly decorated dancers to join the Strictly line-up. His accolades include:
- Chinese National Champion
- Multiple World Semi-Finalist
- 3rd Place at the German Open Championship
- Runner-up in the Amateur Latin Rising Star category at the 2017 UK Open
With a background in ballroom, Latin, ballet, and contemporary, Carlos offers a unique blend of classic and modern movement on the dance floor.
When did Carlos join Strictly?
Carlos joined BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, as part of a new wave of professionals. His debut season saw him reach the Grand Final.“I’m absolutely ready to take on this journey and to shine,” Carlos said on joining.
Who has Carlos danced with on Strictly?
Carlos’ 2025 Strictly journey.
Karen and Carlos closed week one with a fun, fast, football themed Jive.
It was a case of saving the best for last for Shirley as she said it was “the best dance of the night for me” and Anton agreed! Even Craig was impressed. What a fabulous start 31 and top of the leader board!
Carlos and Karen don their flat caps for their Peaky Blinders Argentine Tango. Another amazing number for Halloween week. Motsi commented on the challenging choreography. Anton called it “extraordinarily good”. An impressive 38 points put them second on the leaderboard.
Carlos and Karen performed a passionate Paso Doble in the Tower Ballroom. Scoring an impressive 39 points they finished second on the week 9 leaderboard. Anton said “I’d love to give you 25 for that, you will never dance better”. Motsi said “ I do not have a paddle to express how good that was”. Wow, safe to say the judges loved it!
Carlos and Karen’s Couple’s Choice scored a perfect 40! Karen looked like she was Born This Way as she left no crumbs on the floor. Craig said “that dance just got you in the champions league, darling”. Motsi said “girl, honestly, this was everything, knocked it out of the park.” Off to musicals week they go.
Carlos and Karen had the Rhythm of Life with their Samba in musicals week. Anton loved that she threw everything at it. Craig said “that will relieve everyone of their winter blues.” Motsi commented on the sensational spins! Karen is no stranger to semi finals – we cannot wait to see what they have planned.
Carlos and Karen Waltz into the semi final to power ballad One Moment in Time. Emotions were high in the studio as the couple performed an elegantly powerful number. Motsi said Karen had the “biggest growth in the contest” and Anton said his heart skips a beat at her journey. A huge contrast to their first dance the couple Turn The Beat Around with a energetic Salsa. Incredible feedback from the judges and an impressive 39 points. One ticket to the final please!
Has Carlos ever won Strictly?
Yes! Carlos was crowned Champion with celebrity partner Karen Carney in 2025.
Find out who has won BBC Strictly Come Dancing with our full list of past Strictly winners from 2004 here – Strictly Winners
Carlos Gu Fact?
In May 2025 Carlos filmed Celebrity Hunted with pro partner Amy Dowden MBE
The pro dancer swapped the ballroom for being on the run as part of the celebrity edition of the hit show in.
The show is expected to air in January 2026
What else has Carlos Gu been involved in?
In 2025, Carlos toured with Strictly pro Amy Dowden, delighting fans at live shows around the UK. He also remains active in the competitive circuit with Susan Sun, and frequently shares training, travel, and tour highlights on social media.See Carlos Gu’s full competition history on DanceSportInfo
Where can I learn more about Carlos Gu?
Checkout Carlos’s official BBC Strictly Come Dancing profile for up-to-date Strictly info, or follow him on social for behind-the-scenes rehearsal snaps, tour announcements, and a peek into his globe-trotting dance life.
BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Find out more information about the BBC TV programme Strictly Come Dancing
by checking out the BBC Strictly Come Dancing website
www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing
Donaheys Dancing With The Stars Weekends are not associated with the BBC.
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Professional Dancers
Learn more about all your favourite Strictly Pro’s here
– Aljaz Skorjanec
– Alexis Warr
– Amy Dowden MBE
– Carlos Gu
– Dianne Buswell
– Giovanni Pernice
– Gorka Marquez
– Johannes Radebe
– Jowita Przystal
– Julian Caillon
– Kai Widdrington
– Karen Hauer
– Katya Jones
– Lauren Oakley
– Luba Mushtuk
– Michelle Tsiakkas
– Nadiya Bychkova
– Nancy Xu
– Neil Jones
– Nikita Kuzmin
– Vito Coppola
– Oti Mabuse
Meet the Strictly Come Dancing Presenters
Learn more about Strictly presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
Meet all the Strictly Come Dancing Judges
Learn more about all the Strictly Judges here;
– Anton du Beke
– Shirley Ballas
– Motsi Mabuse
– Craig Revel Horwood
