In a moment of joy and emotion, Amy Dowden expressed her pride for Carlos Gu following his victory alongside Karen Carney on the popular BBC competition, Strictly Come Dancing. The duo secured the top position in the show’s 23rd series, crowned champions on December 29, 2025, after a thrilling final that captivated audiences.
Carney and Gu triumphed over fellow finalists George Clarke and Alexis Warr, as well as Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin. The result followed an intense voting period, showcasing the pair’s remarkable journey throughout the series.
Emotional Reflections from the Winners
Upon receiving the Glitterball Trophy, Karen Carney shared her disbelief, stating, “I cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that’s supported our journey.” She expressed her gratitude towards Carlos, saying, “We are a team, and I could not have done this without you.” Her heartfelt words resonated with viewers, encapsulating the spirit of teamwork and dedication.
Carlos Gu, visibly moved, reciprocated her sentiments. He highlighted the transformative nature of their partnership, stating, “You taught me so much, and we are completely two different characters, but we challenged each other.” His emotional speech underscored the personal growth he experienced throughout the competition, revealing how Carney helped him become a better partner and teammate.
In a historic moment for the show, this victory marked the first time a footballer lifted the Glitterball Trophy, adding an extra layer of significance to their achievement. Additionally, the pair impressed judges with two perfect scores of 40 during the final, solidifying their status as strong contenders.
Amy Dowden’s Heartfelt Tribute
Following the finale, Amy Dowden took to social media to celebrate her fellow contestant’s success. She shared a picture of herself alongside Carlos and Karen, writing, “They did it! What a night. All finalists were incredible! Congrats all!” Her message emphasized the close bond she shares with Carlos, referring to him affectionately as her “darling brother.”
Amy reflected on the emotional support they provided each other throughout the series, noting, “Last year Carlos and I would sit and get quite emotional many nights.” She expressed her joy over their accomplishments, stating, “I know how much you’ve loved this series, you’ve learnt, grown, and shown your true authentic self!”
As the celebrations continued, both Carlos and Amy hinted at a return for the next season, with Carlos expressing excitement for what lies ahead. His heartfelt response to Amy’s tribute, “Sobbing, what a team!!” showcased the camaraderie that developed among the contestants.
Amy concluded her post by thanking the BBC Strictly team for their support throughout the competition. “Thank you for another incredible series and for supporting me through and through,” she wrote, highlighting the community aspect of the show.
This season of Strictly Come Dancing not only delivered entertainment but also highlighted personal stories of growth and resilience, making it a memorable series for both contestants and fans alike.
