Strictly Come Dancing winner Carlos Gu reveals mother’s concerns over his sexuality (EXCLUSIVE)
"She didn’t want me to get too much attention in case there was any danger for me," says Gu
By Aaron Sugg
Carlos Gu, winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2025, has spoken candidly about his mother’s concerns over him being openly gay on national TV.
Taking home the Glitterball Trophy last year, Gu made history alongside celebrity dance partner Karen Carney, becoming the first openly gay and Asian professional dancer to win the title.
Originally from Taiyuan, China, Gu moved to the UK to join the BBC show’s cast in 2022 – a decision that meant leaving his mother behind.
Where did Carlos Gu grow up?
Growing up in Taiyuan with his single mother, she took him to Chinese classical dance classes at the age of 11, before he later moved on to Latin and ballroom. At the age of 13, he attended boarding school in Beijing, a move which would end up defining who Gu is today.
Speaking exclusively to Attitude, he remains close to his mother despite the distance, though that is not to say she did not have her reservations when he received the casting call.
“She didn’t want me to get too much attention” – Gu on his mother’s concern due to his sexuality
“She didn’t want me to get too much attention in case there was any danger for me,” said Gu. “But she’s happy.”
Since making his Strictly debut four years ago, Gu has had three celebrity partners in the competition: 2022 runner-up Molly Rainford, Angela Scanlon in 2023, who finished in sixth place, and 2025 winner Karen Carney.
Next up, Gu told Attitude he would like to take on a new challenge: a male partner, following former Attitude cover stars John Whaite and professional dancer Johannes Radebe in 2021, and Layton Williams and Nikita Kuzmin in 2023.
“To see two men dance – it’s sexy” – Gu making his plea to have a male Strictly Come Dancing celebrity partner
His intention has his community at heart – to offer representation to viewers, especially those living at home in China. “Just for a little Asian boy at home, or for anyone watching, to see two men dance – it’s sexy,” Gu told Attitude.
Read the full interview in the Attitude May/June 2026 issue, available in print and on digital platforms including Apple News+ and the Attitude app.