Carlos Gu has gushed over his move to the UK in a sweet social media post, after he revealed he's taking on a major challenge away from the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom.
The professional dancer was recently confirmed to be returning to the hit dance show later this year. The show's professional line-up for 2025 was confirmed by the BBC this month.
Those returning when the hit BBC One dance contest's 23rd series gets underway in the autumn alongside Carlos are Nadiya Bychkova, Katya Jones, Nadiya Bychkova, Amy Dowden, Karen Hauer, Neil Jones and Nikita Kuzmin.
They're also joined by Dianne Buswell, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk, Jowita Przystal, Johannes Radebe, Aljaž Škorjanec, Kai Widdrington, Nancy Xu, Lauren Oakley, Michelle Tsiakkas and Vito Coppola, while two new pros will also be unveiled closer to the series launch.
The BBC also revealed that two brand new professional dancers will also be joining the lin-up, with the new pros set to be revealed closer to the return of the show.
But before his back on the dancefloor, Carlos has another challenge on the cards. He recently revealed that he's taking on the AJ Bell Great Manchester Run. Tens of thousands of runners take to the streets of Manchester to take on the 10k or Half Marathon on May 18.
Sharing the news, he posted a picture of himself out on a run to his Instagram Story and said: "I'm running the Manchester 10k to raise money for young people facing tough challenges - just like I did."
Carlos, who is raising money for Young Minds UK, opened up: "I left home at 12, grew up fast, and fought to be myself in a place where that wasn't easy. Mental health was never talking about.
"I've heard people say I'm lucky, but luck had little to do with it. If you've ever known a young person who needed support, now's the time to help. Let's give them the chance they deserve."
Carlos has since shared another moving update. Taking a picture of the street he was on, he wrote in view of his Instagram followers: "I love my life. Moving to the UK is the best choice I've made, for my soul especially."
Carlos also isn't the only Strictly star taking part in the Greater Manchester Run. Co-star Jowita Przystal is also putting on her running shoes and confirmed the news with a video in which she could be seen getting ready for her next raining run.
Alongside the post on Instagram she said: "Run alert! Just a month to go until I run my first 10k ever - @great_run. And I’m doing it for my beloved @dogstrust. I’ve always been an animal lover—probably something I got from my dad.
"Especially when it comes to dogs. I had my rescue dog, Frodo, with me and my parents for 21 years. We found him when he was just one year old, so I basically grew up with him. Losing him was incredibly hard for me and my family.
"Last year, I had the pleasure of visiting @dogstrust_basildon, and it was one of the most beautiful, yet emotional, days of my life. I met some fantastic dogs, but also an amazing team who care for them every day and fight for their better lives. Those women are true superheroes.
"Their love and dedication to those dogs is incredible. Since that day, I’ve felt like part of the family. I know it’s not much, but I want to do what I can to help, to raise awareness, and - like @p_wicks01 says - be a voice for the voiceless.
"That’s why I’m running the 10K Great Manchester Run for Dogs Trust. It’s my small way of giving back to a cause so close to my heart. Please if you would like to join me in supporting my wonderful little friends, the link is in my bio. And now back to training #ajbell #greatmanchesterrun #dogstrust."
