Professional dancer Carlos Gu was overcome with emotion during this weekend's Strictly Come Dancing, moved to tears after hearing the judges' critiques of his celebrity partner, former footballer Karen Carney.
Emotional Moment on the Dance Floor
The duo performed a routine to You Don't Own Me by Saygrace featuring G-Eazy, receiving a score of 31 points from the panel. Judge Anton Du Beke commented that the dance felt "a little brittle," stating he wanted to see a more "beautiful, breathy, flowy, lyrical motion."
Craig Revel Horwood agreed, noting the performance was "a little spiky" and that Karen needed "a lot more expression in your arms and hand" and to "soften everything out."
Recognition of Immense Hard Work
The emotional turning point came when head judge Shirley Ballas acknowledged the significant challenge Karen faces. The Birmingham-born sports star lives with Scheuermann's disease, a skeletal disorder that causes a curved spine, leading to stiffness and limited mobility.
Shirley recognised Karen's progress, telling her: "From week one to now, your posture has come a long way...I see your hard work. What they are saying is it has got to be more consistent."
This recognition of her effort proved too much for her professional partner. A visibly emotional Carlos told host Claudia Winkleman: "She worked so hard this week. I know ballroom is not her strength but she came into training room and she said 'I really want to try hard.'"
He continued, through tears: "I know my back has a problem but I really want to try and I really want to show that I'm improving just a little bit. And just hearing them say that...you have no idea how hard she's been working this week."
Viewers React to Heartfelt Scene
The raw, heartfelt moment resonated deeply with the audience at home. Fans immediately took to social media platform X to share their reactions.
One viewer wrote: "Carlos crying has melted my heart #Strictly." Another said: "Carlos crying because of karen STOP IT im crying with him #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." A third added: "I can’t deal with karen and carlos crying #Strictly," capturing the sentiment of many who were moved by the display of support and dedication between the dance partners.