Karen Carney has delighted fans after sharing a glimpse of her long-awaited reunion with Carlos Gu, weeks after the pair made Strictly Come Dancing history.
The former England footballer and her professional partner triumphed in the public vote during the 2025 Strictly final in December, beating Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin and George Clarke with Alexis Warr to lift the coveted Glitterball Trophy.
Overcome with emotion as she was announced the winner on December 20, Karen told viewers:
“I can’t believe it. Thank you to everyone who supported our journey. And thank you to this wonderful gentleman — we are a team and I couldn’t have done it without you. It’s been the biggest privilege and honour. I’m completely lost for words.”
Carlos echoed the sentiment, telling Karen:
“I love you and thank you for being incredible throughout this whole journey. We’re totally different characters, but we challenged each other, supported each other, and never gave up. Thank you for changing my life.”
A Reunion Fans Were Waiting For
After the series wrapped, Karen and Carlos went their separate ways for the first time in months. Carlos spent the festive period in snowy New York before heading off to sunnier destinations to welcome in 2026, while Karen enjoyed a post-Strictly break in Rome.
But on Tuesday, January 13, the beloved dance partners reunited at last — and fans couldn’t have been happier.
Sharing photos and videos from a dinner together on Instagram, Karen wrote:
“Back with my @gkx_carlos after what feels like forever. Got him a little gift as well to celebrate our Strictly journey.”
The gift was a thoughtful nod to one of their standout routines.
“He used a pocket watch in our Peaky Blinders dance,” Karen explained, “so I thought it was only right that he had his own.”
Carlos reshared the moment on his Instagram Stories, writing:
“Reunited with my champ. Thank you, my champ, for this special gift. Our Peaky will stay in my heart.”
Fans React
Strictly fans were quick to flood the comments with love and excitement.
“THE reunion we all needed!” one wrote.
Another added: “I can’t believe it’s almost a month since you won — it feels like forever since we last saw you dance together. You brought so much joy.”
After a journey that captured the hearts of viewers across the country, Karen and Carlos’ reunion was a reminder of the special bond they formed — one that clearly extends far beyond the ballroom floor. ✨
