Strictly judges leave Karen Carney and Carlos Gu in tears with their critique: 'I know ballroom is not her strength'

The pair blew the panel away with their American Smooth last night
Nancy Brown

Strictly Come Dancing pro Carlos Gu was left in floods of tears last night after the judges praised partner Karen Carney‘s American Smooth.

Karen and Carlos danced to You Don’t Own Me by Saygrace featuring G-Eazy, with the judges praising Karen’s posture and flexibility in her back, despite her ongoing issues with her spine.

The former Lioness suffers from Scheuermann’s disease. It’s a spinal condition that causes a curved spine, making it “really hard” for her to open her posture up in the way she needs to for ballroom dances.

However, last night she impressed the judges, with comments about how much she’s improved clearly meaning the world to pro Carlos…

Carlos and Karen dancing an American Smooth on Strictly
Karen impressed the judges with improvements to her posture (Credit: BBC)

Strictly stars Karen and Carlos impress with their American Smooth

After their American Smooth, Craig Revel Horwood told Karen that he loves watching her dance, while Motsi Mabuse commented on how “beautiful” the dance was. However, it was Shirley Ballas that made Carlos start to weep. He even had to be comforted by host Tess Daly.

Craig told Karen: “You are absolutely gorgeous. I love watching you dance. Even though I’m criticising it, I just adore this partnership. I think you are fantastic.”

“From week one to now your posture has come along so beautifully.” I see your hard work. I saw some flow with the arms, I saw beautiful elbows wrists and hands, but what they’re saying to you is just be a little bit more consistent. But I saw so many improvements so well done.”

Comforting Carlos as he began to cry, Tess said: “I know that meant a lot to you what Shirley said.”

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu on Strictly
Carlos started to get emotional as the judges gave their verdict (Credit: BBC)

‘You have no idea how hard she’s been working’

Up in the Claudiatorium, Carlos wept at he told Claudia Winkleman: “She worked so hard this week. I know ballroom is not her strength but she came into the ballroom and said: ‘Carlos, I really want to try hard, but I know my back has problems and I really wanna try.’

“So hearing the judges say that…. You have no idea how hard she’s been working,” he said, breaking down further.

Karen also started to get choked up as Carlos wept.

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu on Strictly
The Strictly pro was weeping by the time he got upstairs to Claudia (Credit: BBC)

‘He is the sweetest’

Viewers watching at home wept along with Carlos.

One said: “Carlos I’m crying as well. Please stop, it’s breaking my heart.” A second said: “I’m in tears after Kaz and Carlos’ dance. She has worked so hard on her posture, even though it must be painful. It must be lovely for the pro when they hear the judges talk about the improvement they see in their celeb.”

Another said: “Blimey! Carlos is wearing his heart on his sleeve tonight.” Another added: “I wasn’t expecting to cry over this of all things but Carlos has me weeping. He is the sweetest.”

Read more: Strictly spoiler leaks as star ‘falls’ in dance-off before being eliminated

Find out if Karen and Carlos survive on the Strictly results show tonight (November 16) at 7.15pm on BBC One