BBC Strictly’s Carlos Gu reveals his partner Karen Carney ‘couldn’t breathe’ during intense rehearsals

Reflecting on their American Smooth from the previous week, a routine that earned them an impressive 31 points, the Strictly Come Dancing professional explained how emotional he felt after seeing the judges’ reactions.

“Being a partner, being a professional partner, and seeing your celebrity practice so hard every single week. It's inspiring,” he said.

Mr Gu went on to praise the former footballer's determination to flourish in a style she has struggled with.

“Particularly this week and the ballroom, like I said, is not her strength, and she worked so hard.

"She came into the training room and said, 'I really want to try and make it myself and improve, and let the judges see that I'm improving just a little.’”

The pro-dancer added that seeing the judges recognise her efforts meant a great deal to him.

“And she did absolutely amazing, and they saw it! I was so emotional. All the hard work pays off, and I couldn't be more proud to be there with her and to witness those magical moments.”

The former footballer admitted the emotion was mutual. “I got emotional because Carlos got emotional.

"He was right, we put in loads of work, and to just try and be in that position was really, really challenging for me," she said.

Mr Gu then revealed the physical toll rehearsals had taken, saying: "Sometimes she couldn't even breathe. I had to say, 'Karen, remember, you can breathe.’”

Ms Carney said the pair had developed a bond built on support and shared effort. Turning to her partner, she said: “Seeing you like that, it got me because we are a team, we are a partnership and we work really hard at that and we're together.

"If he's happy, I'm happy. If he's emotional, I'm emotional. We mirror [each other]. But seeing him care about me so much, which you do, just meant a lot and I think everyone else could see that too. So, thanks.”

The duo will now take their partnership into one of Strictly’s most iconic weeks, with fans eager to see how they handle the pressures of Blackpool , and whether their emotional journey continues to win over the judges.

This isn't the first time the pair have been overcome with emotion during their Strictly journey.

The journalist left her Strictly partner in tears this week after the pair received mixed comments for their American Smooth.

The routine drew a range of reactions from the judges, with Anton Du Beke calling it “brittle” and urging Ms Carney to be “lyrical”, while Craig Revel Horwood told her she was “too fast” and needed to be “softer”.

However, Shirley Ballas praised the former athletes progress, saying: “I watched your VT Karen, and in that VT I saw you trying to get your posture and from week one to now your posture has come along so beautifully,” though she also reminded her to be “more consistent”.

Motsi Mabuse described the performance as “strong”.

Backstage with Claudia Winkleman, emotions spilled over as Mr Gu broke down. “Carlos, none of us like you crying!” Ms Winkleman said, as he tearfully explained: “She worked so hard this week.”

The pro-dancer revealed Ms Carney had trained through back pain, adding: “I know the ballroom is not her strength… she really wanted to show she was improving just a little bit and just hearing them saying that, you have no idea how hard we worked!”

Ms Carney admitted she was touched by her partner’s reaction. “I did, but I did not expect this from my guy here, so I want to do well for him,” she said.

“He has been patient with me and protected me and given me the guidance. I am just happy for him. He is my guy and I am happy for that, so thank you.”