Brief Introduction of Carlos Gu
Carlos Gu, born Gu Kūnxuán, is an internationally acclaimed Chinese dancer and choreographer who has rapidly become a prominent figure in the world of ballroom and Latin dance. He is best known to the public as one of the professional dancers on the popular BBC One television series, Strictly Come Dancing, which he joined in 2022. Gu’s exceptional skill, charismatic presence, and innovative choreography have made him a fan favourite. Before his television career, he established a formidable reputation in the competitive dance circuit, securing numerous titles, including Chinese National Champion. His journey from the competitive stages in China to the glittering ballroom of one of the UK’s most-watched shows is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to his art form.
Carlos Gu Overview
| Full Name | Gu Kūnxuán |
| Date of Birth | January 1993 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 32 |
| Birthplace | Taiyuan, China |
| Profession | Professional Dancer, Choreographer |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Lilian Li (Mother), Carolina Tan (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Single |
| Net Worth | Estimated $3 million (£2.7 million) |
Early Life and Education of Carlos Gu
Carlos Gu was born in Taiyuan, the capital city of Shanxi Province in China, in January 1993. Raised in a supportive family, his passion for dance was ignited at a very young age. His mother, Lilian Li, was a pivotal figure in his early life, recognizing his artistic potential and encouraging his aspirations by enrolling him in dance classes. This early training was comprehensive, encompassing various styles including ballroom, ballet, and contemporary dance, which provided him with the versatile foundation that would later become a hallmark of his professional career. Gu grew up in a creative family environment and has a sister named Carolina Tan. He dedicated his youth to intensive training, honing the technical precision and performance quality necessary for the highly competitive world of dance. His focus and hard work during these formative years set the stage for his future success, allowing him to rise through the ranks of China’s national dance scene.
Carlos Gu’s Career
Carlos Gu’s career is marked by a series of impressive achievements in the world of competitive dance. He rose to national prominence as a Chinese National Champion, a prestigious title that underscored his dominance in his home country. He formed a long-standing and successful professional partnership with fellow dancer Susan Sun. Together, they competed on the international stage, achieving remarkable results in over 80 competitions in the Latin categories. His international accolades include being a multiple World Semi-Finalist, placing third at the highly respected German Open Championship, and being the runner-up in the Amateur Latin Rising Star category at the UK Open in 2017.
In July 2022, Gu’s career took a significant turn when it was announced he would be joining the cast of the 20th series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing as a professional dancer. He was one of four new professionals introduced that year. In his debut season, he was partnered with singer and actress Molly Rainford. The pair captivated audiences and judges alike, delivering consistently strong performances that took them all the way to the grand final, where they finished as runners-up.
Gu returned for the 21st series in 2023 and was paired with television presenter Angela Scanlon. They proved to be a popular couple, showcasing versatility and strong chemistry before being eliminated in week 10 of the competition. In 2024, for the 22nd series, Gu was not partnered with a celebrity but remained a vital part of the show, performing in the spectacular group numbers. For the 23rd series in 2025, he was partnered with former England footballer and pundit Karen Carney. Their partnership has been praised for its intensity and energy, even achieving a perfect score of 40 for their Couple’s Choice routine. Away from the show, Gu has also participated in the Strictly Come Dancing Live! tour and in 2025, he co-starred with fellow professional Amy Dowden in a nationwide tour called “Reborn,” which blended dance with storytelling.
Carlos Gu Personal Life & Family
Carlos Gu maintains a relatively private personal life, though he has shared some significant aspects of his journey with the public. He is the son of Lilian Li, to whom he is very close and who has been a constant source of support throughout his life and career. He also has a sister named Carolina Tan. In July 2024, during an appearance on the ITV show Lorraine, Gu publicly came out as gay. He spoke candidly about the difficulties of being gay in China, where LGBTQ+ issues are not openly discussed in public. He explained that moving to the UK was partly motivated by a desire to live more authentically and find his true self. He has expressed that his mother was very supportive upon his coming out. Gu has since spoken about wanting to be a positive role model for “more Asian kids, or the kids out there who are still figuring themselves out.” He has acknowledged that while there was a culture of homophobia in dance in China, he was fortunate to have a gay, nine-time world champion as a teacher who served as an inspiration during his teenage years. As of early 2025, he has stated that he is single and enjoying his single life.
Awards and Achievements of Carlos Gu
- Chinese National Dance Champion
- Multiple World Semi-Finalist
- 3rd Place at the German Open Championship
- Runner-up in the Amateur Latin Rising Star category at the 2017 UK Open
- Strictly Come Dancing Runner-up (2022)
Carlos Gu Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Carlos Gu’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million, which is approximately £2.7 million. His income is derived from multiple sources. His primary source is his role as a professional dancer on the highly-rated BBC show Strictly Come Dancing. Additionally, his wealth is supplemented by his participation in the Strictly Come Dancing Live! arena tours and his own dance tours, such as “Reborn” with Amy Dowden. Before his television fame, he earned income through prize money from the numerous international and national dance competitions he participated in and won. Endorsements and other media appearances also contribute to his earnings, reflecting his growing profile in the entertainment industry.
Legacy and Influence
Carlos Gu has made a significant impact on the dance world in a relatively short period. As one of the few prominent Chinese professional dancers on a major Western television show, he has broken new ground and serves as an inspiration for aspiring dancers from Asia. His openness about his sexuality has also made him an important role model within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for those in cultures where such topics are considered taboo. His choreography on Strictly Come Dancing is often praised for its creativity, technical difficulty, and storytelling, pushing his celebrity partners to achieve high standards. Through his performances and public persona, Gu is helping to broaden the representation of both Asian and LGBTQ+ individuals in the mainstream media and the world of ballroom dance.
Interesting Facts about Carlos Gu
- Beyond the dance floor, Carlos is a talented visual artist who enjoys drawing and painting. In 2025, he shared his first piece of artwork, a meditative piece titled “Reborn,” which he spent two months creating.
- He has a keen interest in fashion and is known for his bold and expressive personal style, embracing the opportunity to showcase his identity through his clothing.
- During his debut season on Strictly Come Dancing, he made a memorable, cheeky impression on host Claudia Winkleman during his first performance, which became a talking point among fans.
- His professional dance partnership with Susan Sun has been a long-standing one, starting in 2011.
- In 2025, he teamed up with fellow dancer Amy Dowden to participate in Celebrity Hunted for the Stand Up to Cancer campaign on Channel 4.
Controversies
Carlos Gu’s career has been largely free from major controversies. However, in 2024, his fans expressed significant disappointment when it was announced that he would not have a celebrity partner for the 22nd series of Strictly Come Dancing. Gu himself admitted he was expecting a partner and was disappointed by the decision but handled the situation professionally, stating that such decisions are not personal and that he would use his extra time wisely, even joking about having more time for “husband hunting.” He continued to be a valued member of the show, performing in group numbers.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram (gkx_carlos) – Over 80,000 followers
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Information not disclosed
Final Words about Carlos Gu
Carlos Gu’s journey from a young boy with a passion for dance in Taiyuan to a celebrated star on one of the UK’s biggest television shows is a powerful narrative of talent, perseverance, and authenticity. He has not only proven himself to be a world-class dancer and choreographer but also a courageous individual willing to share his personal story to inspire others. His influence extends beyond his breathtaking performances; he is a role model who champions representation and self-acceptance. As he continues to evolve as an artist, exploring new avenues like painting and headlining his own tours, audiences and fans can anticipate many more years of artistry and inspiration. Whether on the dance floor or off, Carlos Gu’s star is firmly on the ascent, and his legacy as a trailblazing dancer and beloved public figure is already securely in place.
