Amy Dowden expressed her pride and admiration for Carlos Gu following his victory on the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing. In a highly emotional finale, footballer Karen Carney and her professional dance partner Carlos secured the prestigious Glitterball Trophy, triumphing over finalists Amber Davies with partner Nikita Kuzmin and George Clarke paired with Alexis Warr.
During a heartfelt celebration, Carney shared her disbelief and gratitude. “I cannot believe it. Thank you to everybody that has supported our journey,” she said. “This has been the biggest privilege and honour, I’m lost for words,” according to Wales Online. Carlos reciprocated her sentiments, stating, “Thank you, Karen Carney, I love you. You taught me so much. To boys and girls watching at home, dream big and never give up.”
The duo’s win has been met with overwhelming support from fans and celebrity friends alike. Amy Dowden, a beloved figure on the show, took to Instagram to celebrate their achievement. This season marked her return to the competition following a year-long battle with cancer and a recent injury that led to her withdrawal last season while partnered with JB Gill.
Despite being eliminated early in the competition alongside her partner Thomas Skinner, Amy’s journey has inspired many. She shared a touching message, stating, “What a night. All finalists were incredible! Congrats all! To my darling brother, I’m so proud of you, @gkx_carlos. You’ve learned, grown, and shown your true self. Kaz, you shone, thank you for being you.”
The finale was particularly significant as it marked the last series hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who became visibly emotional as they bid farewell. Carlos also reflected on his previous experiences on the show, expressing his growth over the past year. He noted, “She changed my life. I think she’s the best thing I ever had in 2025,” acknowledging the lessons he learned through his partnership with Karen.
In a poignant moment, Carlos shared his previous struggles, admitting he had been “self-centred” in his first year of competition. His candidness about personal growth resonated with audiences, with many viewers expressing their emotional responses on social media. One remarked, “Oh Carlos Gu, you deserve the world,” while another noted, “Carlos breaks my HEART.”
The final episode of Strictly Come Dancing is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to relive the unforgettable moments of the night. As the season concludes, the legacy of this year’s champions, Carlos Gu and Karen Carney, continues to inspire viewers around the globe.
