Amy Dowden Celebrates Emotional Victory with Carlos Gu on Strictly

Amy Dowden expressed her heartfelt emotions following the victory of her fellow dancer Carlos Gu and former Lioness Karen Carney on the popular BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. The duo triumphed in the 23rd series of the competition on December 29, 2025, captivating audiences with their performances and securing the Glitterball Trophy. They emerged victorious over finalists George Clarke with Alexis Warr, and Amber Davies alongside Nikita Kuzmin.

In the wake of their win, Karen expressed her disbelief and gratitude, stating, “I cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that’s supported our journey.” She credited Carlos for being an integral part of their success, emphasizing their teamwork: “I could not have done this without you.”

Carlos, visibly emotional during the celebrations, acknowledged the transformative impact Karen had on him throughout their journey. He remarked, “I love you and thank you for being so incredible this whole journey. You taught me so much.” Carlos reflected on his past competitiveness and noted how working with Karen has changed him for the better.

Historic Win and Emotional Reflections

The finale marked a historic moment as it was the first time a footballer lifted the Glitterball Trophy, highlighting the significance of Karen’s achievement. The pair received two additional perfect scores of 40 out of 40 from the judges during the competition, further solidifying their status as champions.

In a poignant moment during the finale, Carlos struggled to hold back tears while discussing his personal growth. “I came to Strictly out of competitive life. I was self-centered… I’ve been the last three years,” he admitted. He acknowledged that Karen had taught him the value of humility and teamwork, a lesson he cherished deeply.

After the final, Amy Dowden took to Instagram to celebrate the victory with a heartfelt message. She shared a photo featuring herself, Carlos, and Karen, expressing her pride in Carlos’s accomplishments throughout the series. “What a night. All finalists were incredible! Congrats all! To my darling brother, I’m so proud of you,” she wrote.

Amy’s message highlighted the close bond she shares with Carlos. She recalled their emotional conversations over the past year, stating, “Last year Carlos and I would sit and get quite emotional many nights… I was right, what a year.”

Looking Ahead to Future Seasons

The excitement surrounding the series and the camaraderie among the dancers was palpable. Amy expressed her gratitude to the Strictly team for their support during her journey, especially following her recent mastectomy. She concluded her post with enthusiasm for the next season, hinting at future collaborations: “Sobbing, what a team!! makes me even more excited for reborn again next year,” Carlos replied to Amy, indicating a desire to return to the competition.

As the series wraps up, fans and contestants alike reflect on a season filled with emotional highs and remarkable achievements. The bond among the dancers and the lessons learned promise to resonate as they look forward to future challenges and performances on the dance floor.