BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Carlos Gu's life from 'husband hunting' to sexuality

Carlos Gu has become a firm favourite with Strictly Come Dancing fans since first appearing on the show in 2022. The Chinese dancer made a massive impression after just missing out on the Glitterball Trophy in his first year with celebrity partner CBBC star Molly Rainford.

They finished in second place, behind Hamza Yassin. His next Strictly Come Dancing pairing was with Angela Scanlon, making it to sixth place on last year's show.

Carlos, 31, missed out on a partner this year, so viewers have only been seeing him in group dances and supporting the contestants in the studio during live shows. Speaking on The Monday Mile podcast Carlos admitted he had been expecting another partner, but the decision meant he had more time to go 'husband hunting'.

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He said: “Sometimes the decision is made [and it’s] not necessarily personal. It’s just because of the different perspectives, the different teams. Because we all want the show to look great. We all want this company, this production to look good. So, nothing is really personal. I think as long as you start to understand that, some of the decisions aren’t personal to you.”

Below we look at his life away from the hit BBC dancing show, from his huge success to his love life and sexuality.

Carlos Gu's love life and sexuality

Carlos has never spoken about any romantic interests publicly, so it is not know whether the star is currently in a relationship. It was speculated that he and former Strictly partner Molly Rainford were more than just dance partners during their time on the show, but neither confirmed the rumours.

Despite not addressing his relationship status, Carlos has spoken openly about his sexuality on ITV show Lorraine. He revealed: "Myself, I moved to this country. I had a different life. I am finding my true self in this country. Being a gay in China, it's really hard to talk about it.

"You can't tell a word in telly, public, no word." In 1997, homosexuality was decriminalised in China. Since 2001, homosexuality is no longer classed as a mental disorder by the Chinese Society of Psychiatry. But China does not recognise same-sex marriage or civil unions.

He also revealed he "came out" to his mum, adding: "I think, because I came out to my mum. She's a single mum who raised me, it's hard for her. But I'm so lucky to have her, she's so open. The time when I told her I want to move to UK and I want to get this job on Strictly, she actually supported me 100% because she knew I would be happier there."

Carlos Gu's 'net worth'

Carlos has an estimated fortune of £2.7 million according to online sources. Before Strictly, he clinched the title of Chinese National Dance Champion, notched up semi-finalist placements at world competitions, secured third place at the German Open Championship and snagged the runner-up position for the UK's Amateur Latin Rising Star award in 2017.