A professional dancer from Strictly Come Dancing has revealed two words that encapsulate his feelings towards former host Claudia Winkleman. Chinese Strictly pro Carlos Gu, who joined the programme in 2022 and claimed the Glitterball trophy with ex-Lioness Karen Carney last year, was recently questioned about whether he'd fancy stepping into Claudia and Tess Daly's presenting roles.

Last October, the pair stunned viewers by revealing they would be departing from their joint hosting responsibilities on the BBC show, triggering speculation regarding their successors. Carlos doesn't seem eager to enter the running, however, acknowledging that he doesn't think he could "ever be a presenter," though he did express some kind sentiments about the former presenters.

During a recent interview, Carlos was questioned about whether he'd be interested in replacing Claudia and Tess, to which he responded that he "didn't see this coming" and that he loves them both.

He told Best Magazine's Suddenly Single podcast: "I love Claudia and Tess. I love both of them. They are just iconic, and I'm obsessed with Claudia too, personally. I love her."

It was subsequently suggested that Claudia was "kooky," to which Carlos remarked: "Very witty, very cool." And when it was noted that the Traitors star "doesn't like looking in the mirror," he observed that she understands her "value."

Carlos added: "No, it's just, oh, she's a woman who knows her value, and she knows everything about herself, and she's so confident with it, which is so powerful. Tess is, too, you know."

Addressing the initial question, the dancer revealed he was a "born performer" who would "die on stage," but doesn't believe he could "ever be a presenter."

When they made their announcement, Claudia and Tess posted a message on Instagram reflecting on their stint on the programme, acknowledging that they "loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream."

It marks the conclusion of an extraordinary 21-year chapter for Tess, who, alongside Claudia, disclosed that they were "always going to leave together" and felt it was the "right time."

In an Instagram post, Tess wrote: "After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It's hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes...

"Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It's felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.

"Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together - and I'm so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many."