In a heart-wrenching confession that left viewers reaching for the tissues, Carlos — the talented pro who joined Strictly in 2022 — admitted he was a ‘self-centred‘ person before meeting Karen. The emotional outpouring came right after the pair were crowned champions on Saturday, December 20, 2025, marking a historic win: Karen became the first footballer to claim the glitterball, while Carlos made history as the first Asian and openly gay man to win the BBC smash hit.

Sobbing uncontrollably as the confetti fell and the crowd roared, Carlos turned to Karen and poured out his gratitude in words that have since gone viral. ‘She changed my life,’ he said through tears. ‘She’s the best thing that I’ve ever had in 2025.‘ He went on to reveal a stark self-reflection: ‘I came to Strictly after competitive life, I was self-centered, I was ‘me me me.’ I’ve been lost for years… no wonder I didn’t get a partner last year because I was not grateful.‘

The admission referred to 2024, when Carlos — despite his undeniable talent — wasn’t paired with a celebrity contestant, a decision that stung but, in hindsight, he believes was deserved. ‘She taught me how to be a kind, humble person,’ he continued, his voice cracking. ‘And for the first time, I learnt how to be a team player. I never used to be a team player, which I am so sad about.‘ The raw vulnerability struck a chord with millions watching at home, with social media exploding in support: ‘Carlos opening up like that broke me — what a beautiful soul,’ one fan posted, while another wrote, ‘This is why Strictly is magic: real growth, real tears, real love.‘

Karen, the retired England international with a record 144 caps for the Lionesses, stood by his side beaming, her own journey one of rediscovery after years of crippling insecurities post-football retirement. The pair’s chemistry was electric from week one — a perfect blend of Karen’s athletic grace and competitive fire with Carlos’s precise choreography and passionate flair. Their routines — from a dramatic Argentine Tango to a joyful Samba and an emotional Waltz — consistently topped leaderboards, earning perfect scores and standing ovations.

But it was the personal transformation that truly defined their partnership. Karen has spoken openly about how Strictly ‘fixed‘ her after punditry left her feeling ‘crushed.’ ‘It’s by far the happiest I’ve ever been,’ she said in interviews leading up to the final. ‘I’ve smiled like I’ve never smiled before, and I’m forever grateful to the show and to Carlos for that.‘ In return, Carlos credits her with teaching him humility and teamwork — lessons that turned a once-isolated dancer into a champion who now sees life through a lens of gratitude.

The finale itself was a rollercoaster of drama and delight. With Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bowing out after years at the helm (receiving a heartfelt tribute from Queen Camilla herself), the focus was squarely on the couples. Karen and Carlos delivered showstoppers: a high-energy Jive as their favourite dance redo, a powerful Paso Doble in Blackpool that had viewers ‘gagged‘ at the drama, and a showdance to Inner Smile by Texas that sealed their victory. When Tess and Claudia announced their win, Karen was lost for words, embracing Carlos tightly as she whispered thanks to ‘this wonderful gentleman‘ and declared their journey ‘the biggest privilege and honour.’

Post-victory interviews have only deepened the mutual admiration. Weeks later, Carlos reflected: ‘This is the first year that I had no expectations. Karen was just incredible and she changed so many layers of myself which I will forever be grateful for.‘ He described the win as ‘one of the biggest moments‘ of his life, not just for the trophy but for the personal growth it represented. Karen echoed the sentiment, calling their partnership a ‘full circle‘ moment that rebuilt her confidence and brought pure joy.

Fans can’t get enough of the duo’s story. Social media is flooded with clips of their dances — the Waltz to Whitney Houston’s One Moment In Time that had viewers ‘crying,’ the Couple’s Choice to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way celebrating authenticity — and tributes pouring in. ‘Karen and Carlos are the perfect example of what Strictly is about: two people from different worlds coming together and making each other better,’ one commenter wrote. Another added: ‘Carlos’s tears were so real — gratitude like that changes everything.‘

Carlos’s background adds layers to his transformation. Hailing from a competitive dance world before Strictly, he arrived with skill but perhaps a guarded heart. Not getting a partner in 2024 was a low point, but it set the stage for 2025’s redemption. Paired with Karen — a trailblazer in women’s football who’s faced her own pressures in the spotlight — he found a mirror and a mentor. Their bond transcended teacher-student; it became a genuine friendship built on respect, laughter, and shared vulnerability.

Karen’s impact extends beyond Carlos. As the first female footballer to win, she shattered barriers, inspiring young girls in sports and dance alike. Her openness about mental health struggles post-retirement — the insecurities, the punditry criticism — resonated deeply. ‘I have a responsibility to give it everything and smile,’ she said, knowing how the show helped her during tough times. That positivity rubbed off on Carlos, turning ‘me me me‘ into ‘we.’

The win capped a series full of highlights: Blackpool glamour, Halloween horrors, and emotional peaks. But nothing matched the finale’s raw honesty. As confetti rained and the glitterball was raised, Carlos’s breakdown wasn’t weakness — it was strength in vulnerability. ‘She makes me a better person, a better dancer,’ he’s said in reflections, a sentiment Karen reciprocates.

Now, with the trophy secured, the pair are eyeing the Strictly tour and beyond. Carlos and Karen have teased joint projects, perhaps more live shows celebrating their historic partnership. For Carlos, the gratitude runs deep: ‘Forever grateful‘ isn’t just a phrase — it’s a promise to carry Karen’s lessons forward, in dance and in life.

In a show known for sparkle and scores, this victory stands out for its heart. Carlos Gu and Karen Carney didn’t just win Strictly 2025 — they won each other’s respect, rewrote personal histories, and reminded us all that true change comes from openness and teamwork.

As Carlos wipes away those tears and looks to the future, one thing’s crystal clear: he’ll forever be grateful to the woman who taught him gratitude itself. And the Strictly family — from fans to fellow pros — is grateful right back for the most touching, transformative partnership the ballroom has ever seen.

From the training room struggles to the glitterball glory, Carlos and Karen’s story is one for the ages. Here’s to more dances, more growth, and endless gratitude.