The professional dancer was overcome with emotion as he and Karen received her first perfect score of the 2025 series
Strictly Come Dancing’s Carlos Gu and Karen Carney(Image: Karen Carney Instagram)
Karen Carney has shared a heartfelt message to Carlos Gu after their latest Strictly Come Dancing performance created a major change in the competition.
The professional dancer was overcome with emotion as he and former footballer Karen received her first perfect score of the 2025 series – which also marked his first 40 since joining the hit dance show four years ago.
On Saturday night (November 29), it was all ten paddles she and Carlos were shown by the judges as they achieved their first perfect score of the series, thanks to their Couple’s Choice routine to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way.
Following the routine, Craig Revel Horwood said: “That dance just got you into the Champions League darling,” while Motsi Mabuse added: “Karen, you did your paso last week and I was like ‘can that get any better?’ But, girl, honestly, this was just everything. This is the step up. This is the next level. This is what I’m talking about. Congratulations.”
Ahead of finding out if their place in the competition had been secured, Carlos took to social media with pictures from their performance, as he explained the reason by his emotional appearance.
He wrote in view of his followers: “This couple’s choice wasn’t just a dance — it was a celebration of who we are and where we come from. A moment for our mums, who supported us in every way they possibly could- to every mum and young girls & boys out there.
Karen and Carlos during their Couple’s Choice routine(Image: PA)
“Raised by a single mum, I realised at a very young age how much harder life can be for women. I didn’t have my mum around much when I was growing up because she had to work to give me the life she believed was best for me. Because of that, I’ve always known that women live in a world where they are still treated unfairly. That’s why women are so much stronger — they fight for their lives, their rights, and their children.That’s why I’ve been so emotional the whole week. Knowing what Kaz has been through in her life, and witnessing her journey — beginning with a lack of confidence, feeling insecure about her body and posture, yet trying her hardest every single week — and seeing how much her mum meant to her, she’s a true fighter. Kaz you are a true inspiration, you inspires me through your actions. What touched me the most is the respect and passion you have for dancing. I’ve never seen anything like it in my life. I promise you!!”
Karen then shared a heartfelt message in response, as she commented on the post: “Thank you for always being there for me whilst on this journey. I’m lucky to have such a talented and loyal partner. I think the world of you [heart emoji #myguy.”
It was during Sunday’s (November 30) results show that Karen and Carlos were confirmed to be through to week 11 of Strictly’s 2025 series, which marks the quarter-final stage and the last special of the series – Musicals Week.
The pair have now become the favourites to win Strictly 2025(Image: Karen Carney Instagram)
And it’s now been revealed that Karen’s latest performances has changed who viewers are backing to win Strictly this year. George Clarke has been favourite for weeks to life the Glitterball trophy, but the former Lioness has come out fighting and switched up the market.
She is now the odds-on favourite, at 8-13, with bookmaker Coral to win Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Once a 16-1 outsider in the betting, she would be one of the biggest priced contestants in history to win the show.
“Karen Carney has been on an incredible journey in this year’s Strictly. She was once a 16-1 outsider in the early stages of the series, so if she does go on to lift the Glitterball Trophy, she would be one of the biggest priced contestants in history to win the show,” said Coral’s John Hill.
