Quick answer: Carlos Gu is a Chinese-born dancer and choreographer best known as a professional on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. He joined the show in 2022, and in 2025 he won his first series alongside former England footballer Karen Carney. Celebrity finance trackers estimate his net worth at around £2.7 million, built from a career of dance titles, TV appearances, and live tours.
Carlos Gu has become one of the most talked-about names in British television. Since joining Strictly Come Dancing in 2022, he has gone from a decorated but relatively unknown competitive dancer to a Grand Final regular and, eventually, a champion. Fans want to know where he came from, what his career has looked like, and how much he has earned along the way.
This article breaks down Carlos Gu net worth, career, and personal life using verified reporting. Therefore, you will find sourced facts rather than guesswork, along with clear notes on which figures are estimates. As a result, you will get a complete and accurate picture of the Strictly star’s journey.
Who Is Carlos Gu?
Carlos Gu (Chinese name Gu Kunxuan) is a Chinese dancer and choreographer born on January 6, 1993, in Taiyuan, China. He is best known as a professional dancer on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, which he joined in 2022. Before his UK television career, he was already a Chinese National Champion in competitive ballroom and Latin dance.
Carlos Gu Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Carlos Gu (Gu Kunxuan) |
| Date of Birth | January 6, 1993 |
| Age (2026) | 33 |
| Birthplace | Taiyuan, China |
| Height | Around 5ft 8in (1.73m) |
| Occupation | Dancer, choreographer, Strictly professional |
| Known For | Strictly Come Dancing (BBC One), Chinese National Champion |
| Strictly Debut | Series 20 (2022) |
| Strictly Title Won | Series 23 (2025), with Karen Carney |
| Estimated Net Worth | Approx. £2.7 million (estimate) |
Early Life and Dance Career in China
Carlos Gu was born in Taiyuan, China, in January 1993. Long before UK audiences knew his name, he had already built a serious competitive dance career on the international ballroom and Latin circuit.
Gu competed for years alongside his professional dance partner, Susan Sun. Together, they represented China at international ballroom and Latin competitions. He was crowned a Chinese National Champion, a title that reflects years of disciplined training across ballroom, Latin, and contemporary styles.
Gu has also spoken about an early passion for drawing and painting. However, as a child he was pushed to focus on dance instead. It was not until years later, in 2024, that he picked up painting again as a personal creative outlet.
This competitive dance background is important context. Furthermore, it explains why Gu arrived on British television already technically polished, rather than as a newcomer learning on air.
Carlos Gu’s Strictly Come Dancing Journey
Carlos Gu joined Strictly Come Dancing in July 2022, as one of four new professionals brought onto the show alongside Vito Coppola, Lauren Oakley, and Michelle Tsiakkas. Since then, his three series pairings have followed a clear upward trajectory.
Carlos Gu’s Strictly series history:
| Series | Year | Celebrity Partner | Result | Average Score |
| Series 20 | 2022 | Molly Rainford | Runner-up (2nd) | 35.4 |
| Series 21 | 2023 | Angela Scanlon | Eliminated, week 10 (6th) | 30.5 |
| Series 23 | 2025 | Karen Carney | Winners (1st) | 33.9 |
Series 20 (2022) — Molly Rainford: In his debut series, Gu was paired with singer and actress Molly Rainford. The pair impressed judges throughout and reached the Grand Final, ultimately finishing as runners-up.
Series 21 (2023) — Angela Scanlon: Gu’s second series paired him with television presenter Angela Scanlon. They were eliminated in week 10, finishing sixth overall.
Series 23 (2025) — Karen Carney: Gu returned with former England footballer and pundit Karen Carney. The couple built a consistently strong leaderboard run, including a perfect 40 for their Couple’s Choice and Argentine Tango routines. They were crowned champions, making Gu the first Chinese professional dancer to win the show.
Away from the weekly series, Gu has also performed on the Strictly Come Dancing Live! arena tour and toured separately with fellow professional Amy Dowden MBE in spring 2025.
Carlos Gu Net Worth: How Much Is He Worth?
Estimating any TV personality’s net worth is inherently imprecise, since salaries for BBC professionals and dance tour earnings are not publicly disclosed in detail. That said, celebrity finance trackers have estimated Carlos Gu’s net worth at around £2.7 million.
Where this figure likely comes from:
- A multi-year career as a competitive Chinese National Champion, including prize money and sponsorships
- A Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer salary since 2022
- Paid appearances on the Strictly Come Dancing Live! arena tour
- Separate ticketed tours, including his 2025 tour with Amy Dowden
- Modelling work alongside his television career
Transparency note: No verified, itemized breakdown of Carlos Gu’s income has been published by Gu himself or by the BBC. As a result, the £2.7 million figure should be treated as a media estimate rather than a confirmed financial disclosure. Readers should treat any celebrity net worth figure, including this one, as an approximation.
Coming Out and Life Off the Dance Floor
In July 2024, Carlos Gu spoke publicly for the first time about being gay, during an appearance on ITV’s Lorraine. He explained that homosexuality is rarely discussed openly in China, and that this was part of his reasoning for building a life in the UK. However, he also shared that his mother had been very supportive of him.
Speaking to Hello! magazine roughly a year later, Gu explained that he grew up feeling different from what was expected of boys around him. Therefore, he chose to come out publicly so he could be a role model, particularly for young Asian people still working through questions about their own identity. He also credited his childhood dance teacher, a nine-time world champion who is also gay, as an early positive role model.
Beyond dance, Gu has also returned to a childhood love of art. In 2025, he shared his first finished piece, called Reborn, describing it to Hello! as a meditative project he spent two months creating.
Carlos Gu’s Height, Age and Personal Life
Carlos Gu was born on January 6, 1993, making him 33 years old as of July 2026. He stands at approximately 5ft 8in (1.73m).
Gu keeps most of his romantic life private and has not publicly confirmed a relationship. He is close with his long-time dance partner, Susan Sun, and regularly shares updates from training, touring, and time with friends on social media.
What’s Next for Carlos Gu?
Following his 2025 Strictly win, Gu has continued to build his profile beyond the BBC ballroom. In November 2025, he announced he would appear at Dancing With The Stars Weekends 2026, an event separate from the BBC’s Strictly brand. He also remains active on the competitive circuit with Susan Sun.
In short, Carlos Gu’s recent career moves include:
- Winning Strictly Come Dancing series 23 with Karen Carney
- Touring with fellow professional Amy Dowden in spring 2025
- Sharing his first public artwork, Reborn, in 2025
- Announcing an appearance at Dancing With The Stars Weekends 2026
FAQs
What is Carlos Gu net worth?
Carlos Gu net worth is estimated at around £2.7 million, based on media reporting rather than an official disclosure.
How old is Carlos Gu?
Carlos Gu was born on January 6, 1993, making him 33 years old as of 2026.
Did Carlos Gu win Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes. Carlos Gu won Strictly Come Dancing series 23 in 2025, partnered with former footballer Karen Carney.
Who has Carlos Gu danced with on Strictly?
Gu has been partnered with Molly Rainford (series 20), Angela Scanlon (series 21), and Karen Carney (series 23, winning couple).
Is Carlos Gu in a relationship?
Carlos Gu has not publicly confirmed a relationship and keeps his personal life largely private.
Where is Carlos Gu from?
Carlos Gu was born in Taiyuan, China, before building his professional dance career in the UK.
Conclusion
Carlos Gu’s journey from Chinese National Champion to Strictly Come Dancing winner shows just how far technical skill and consistency can carry a career. His estimated £2.7 million net worth reflects years of competitive titles, television work, and touring, even though the exact figure remains a media estimate rather than a confirmed number. Furthermore, his openness about coming out has added a meaningful layer to his public profile beyond the dance floor. Want more verified profiles like this one? Fame Post
