Strictly Come Dancing professional Carlos Gu recently made a candid admission about the pressure of being on the BBC dance competition, as he gears up for the 20th-anniversary series which begins tonight.
Gu joined Strictly back in 2022 and was partnered up with EastEnders actress Molly Rainford, coming second in the series, before being partnered with Angela Scanlon last year and coming sixth.
Kicking off the spectacular series tonight, fans will finally find out which professional dancer will be paired with which celebrity, with many fans already spotting "clues".
The 31-year-old recently opened up on the pressure he feels before walking out into the ballroom to perform and said: "In that moment before we step into the Ballroom, I feel like I’m as nervous as my celebrity partner.
"It never changes. You think, 'Oh, I’ve been training for 20 years, I’m a Professional Dancer,' but every time before entering the ballroom, my heartbeat, my nerves - even meditation doesn’t work anymore at that moment, you know?
"Especially in those three seconds before you actually step into the ballroom!"
Carlos Gu was paired with Angela Scanlon last season
BBC
Touching on where he thinks the show will be in 20 years, he added: "I genuinely think the show will go on for as long as possible. Every year, we have different new, fresh celebrities.
"It’s always a new experience for people who watch the show, so you never find it cliché and it never feels like, 'Oh, I’ve seen this before'. Every year is a new experience for us Professional Dancers as well as for the celebrities."
Whilst many fans are excited about the 2024 series, it recently caused some controversy after winning its ninth National Television Award in a row - despite the ongoing investigation into Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima's behaviour.
The Voice UK, Great British Bake Off, Britain's Got Talent and Master Chef UK were up against the dancing competition which has been part of the BBC since 2004.
The Strictly Come Dancing professionals will be paired with their celebrity partner tonight
BBC
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly - along with a number of excited professional dancers - jumped out of their seats when the show was announced as the winner, leaving the latter to express: "This is brilliant."
Winkleman added: "Well we've got the most extraordinarily amazing team, it means everything from our dancers to our celebrities who take part to this creature, who I birthed, to everybody who takes part, we absolutely love the show.
"Anyway, we're very taken aback and grateful."
Head judge Shirley Ballas said: "I’m absolutely, totally honoured to be part of Strictly’s 20th year because it’s a show that brings families together. I think it’s a staple in people’s homes."
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BBC
However, whilst the team were elated with their win, many of those watching from home were left outraged that people were still voting despite the ongoing allegations.
Joining the class of 2024 are DIY SOS star Nick Knowles, Olympic hockey champion Sam Quek, Love Island star Tasha Ghouri, Gladiators star Montell Douglas, Olympic swimmer Tom Dean, and EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick.
Alongside them is Miranda star Sarah Hadland, Singer Shayne Ward, The Only Way is Essex star Pete Wicks, TV doctor Punam Krishan, Singer Toyah Willcox, Singer Wynne Evans, JLS star JB Gill, and Comedian Chris McCausland.