From Taiyuan to the Ballroom

Born in Taiyuan, China, Carlos Gu—whose given name is 古堃玄 (Gǔ Kūnxuán)—began dancing at a young age. He trained rigorously, eventually becoming a Chinese National Champion in both ballroom and Latin dance. His competitive drive took him to international stages, where he and his dance partner Susan Sun became multiple world semi-finalists. In 2022, Gu joined the professional lineup of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, expanding his audience far beyond the competition circuit.

Despite his rising fame, Gu has kept the details of his family life guarded. His parents have not been publicly named, and he rarely discusses his upbringing in interviews. What is known is that his early exposure to dance came through local classes in Taiyuan, where his natural talent was quickly spotted by coaches. He later moved to the UK to pursue professional opportunities, a transition that he has described as both challenging and exhilarating.

Breaking Through on Strictly

Gu made his Strictly Come Dancing debut in 2022, partnering with celebrity contestants and earning praise for his fluid technique and charismatic presence. The BBC show, known for transforming dancers into stars, gave him a platform to reach a broader audience. His choreography often blends classical ballroom precision with contemporary flair, a style that has won him a dedicated fan base.

In 2025, he achieved his biggest milestone yet: winning the Strictly Come Dancing trophy alongside his celebrity partner. The victory cemented his status as one of the show’s most formidable professionals. Reflecting on the moment, Gu told the press that the win was a dream come true, but also emphasised the collective effort of the entire production team.

“Strictly is more than a competition; it’s a family. Every week, we push each other to be better, and that spirit is what makes the show so special.”

— Carlos Gu, in a 2025 interview with BBC Entertainment News

Age and Nationality

Born in 1993, Gu is approximately 33 years old as of 2026, though some sources suggest he may have been born in 1994, which would make him 32. He has not publicly clarified the discrepancy, preferring to focus on his work rather than personal milestones. His nationality is Chinese, and he frequently expresses pride in his heritage, often incorporating elements of Chinese culture into his performances.

Relationship Status: What We Know

Despite intense curiosity, especially from fans, there is no official confirmation of a romantic partner or spouse. Questions have arisen about a potential relationship with fellow dancer Jay McGuiness, but those rumours remain unverified. Gu has never publicly addressed the speculation, and his social media—though active—offers few clues about his personal life. Multiple profiles state that he has kept his dating life private, a choice he has maintained even as his fame has grown.

That said, Gu shares a well-documented professional partnership with Susan Sun. The two have competed together since 2011, representing China at numerous international championships. Their connection on the floor is undeniable, but both have described it as purely professional. Sun, also a Chinese dance champion, has supported Gu’s Strictly journey from the sidelines, occasionally posting behind-the-scenes glimpses of their training sessions.

Life Beyond the Glitterball

When he’s not dancing, Gu enjoys photography and exploring London’s food scene. He has hinted at future projects outside of television, including a possible dance workshop tour in Asia. He also mentors young dancers in China, offering masterclasses aimed at nurturing the next generation of talent. His long-term goal, he has said, is to establish a cross-cultural dance foundation that brings together performers from the East and West.

As of early 2026, Gu remains a core member of the Strictly Come Dancing professional ensemble. Speculation about the next season’s celebrity pairings has already begun, with fans eager to see which partner he will be paired with next. Regardless of the outcome, Carlos Gu has already left an indelible mark on the ballroom—both as a fierce competitor and as a dancer who never forgets the joy of the dance.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Real name: 古堃玄 (Gǔ Kūnxuán)
• Stage name: Carlos Gu
• Born: Taiyuan, China (1993 or 1994)
• Nationality: Chinese
• Height: Approximately 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
• Titles: Chinese National Champion (Ballroom & Latin), multiple world semi-finalist
• Debut on Strictly: 2022
• Strictly win: 2025
• Long-term dance partner: Susan Sun
• Marital status: Not publicly confirmed; no known spouse or partner