Carlos Gu had a magical 2025, going on his first nationwide tour with close friend Amy Dowden, and lifting the Strictly Glitterball trophy with former Lioness Karen Carney.
However, the professional dancer isn't slowing down in 2026, and earlier this week, he explored a new venture with his debut one-man show, which was hosted at Crazy Coqs, in Piccadilly, on Tuesday.
Alongside dancing, Carlos also showed off his magical singing voice as he hosted an audience filled with friends and fans. Among those supporting the star were It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara and his dance partner Karen.
Speaking exclusively to HELLO! following the show, Carlos shared the event had been "magical" and given him a "nervousness" that he hadn't felt since waiting for the Strictly results last December. However, it also unveiled a new skill that he didn't know he had: comedy.
Speaking about the response to the show, he said: "I loved everything, the dancing, the singing, and I didn't know I could be funny. There were so many laughs from the audience, and when my friends gave their feedback, Karen said, 'I didn't know you could be this funny'."
He continued: "It was in a very intimate venue, with it being a jazz club, the music was fun, the audience was fun, the energy was fun. I really challenged myself as I'd never sang live before, let alone put on my own show in front of an audience."
© InstagramCarlos was left incredibly touched by the response, with the show ultimately selling out, something that he was hoping for but not expecting. "The audience were so brave and bold to book tickets, not knowing what exactly was going to happen," he explained.
"I don't think any of my other shows will be this special, because everything's so new to me."
For fans that missed the show, the good news is that Carlos is planning another date, which is due to be held later this year on 3 July, just ahead of Pride in London. And for those wondering what to expect, the Strictly champ shared: "The show itself is not just about the show. It's an escape from the rules, from the noise and from the version of ourselves where we're trying to behave.
"It's a little secret corner where we're all coming in with love and [the ability to] be bold, be a little more dangerous, do everything we want, and just enjoy life. Forget about the world outside, just go somewhere for those 90 minutes, to enjoy ourselves as humans, as performers, as a community, have some laughs and enjoy some dancing, as well as building up connections with the people we admire and want to be admired by."
Musical inspirations
Although Carlos hasn't yet started writing his own music, instead preferring poetry to express himself, he revealed that he was inspired by the likes of Adele, Liza Minnelli and Nina Simone.
© WireImage"I love a bit of soul, jazz, pop music that has deep emotions," he explained. I'm Adele's number one fan. I like all the charismatic songs with character too, like Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Shirley Bassey, those are my icons, and they're all gay icons."
Carlos is on tour in May & June, visit www.amyandcarlostour.co.uk for tickets.
