Strictly's Tess Daly halts BBC show for concern for star after 'difficulty'

A Strictly Come Dancing professional sparked worry from presenter Tess Daly after their high-energy performance on Saturday night's live show. The BBC presenter stepped in to show her concern as Carlos Gu was left completely breathless.

He and Karen Carney performed a Charleston to Upside Down / Think by Diana Ross / Aretha Franklin. But the demanding routine appeared to take its toll on Carlos, who struggled to catch his breath afterwards. Tess declared: "I think you finished him off, Karen." Visibly breathless, Carlos responded: "Feel my heartbeat darling," prompting Tess to place her hand on his chest before she asked: "Are you alright, Carlos? Can I get you anything? A stretcher?" As the judges began to share their comments, the dancing duo's chests continued to rise and fall rapidly as they both struggled to get their breath back.

Craig called the dance "a right little bobby-dazzler" and said their energy was "amazing". He added: "It was goofy, clean and precise. I loved it!" Shirley added that it was "fast-paced and difficult" but there was "a lot to like".

Meanwhile, Motsi Mabuse also praised their energy and called it "contagious" as she declared: "I love you!"

Anton Du Beke joked: "I want to say congratulations to Carlos for keeping up... You just about made it!" He continued: "It was exquisite. All in all, I just absolutely loved it."

As they made their way off stage, still speechless, Tess teased: "I think that Carlos might need a lie down."

Post-performance, while still breathing heavily, Carlos confessed to Claudia: "It's probably the most difficult I've ever done on Strictly! And I had to keep up with this woman here!"

He then joked: "Well done Carlos!" Karen, on the other hand, couldn't hide her joy: "I loved it [the dance] it was a dream!"

The pair scored an impressive 30 out of 40, with Motsi even awarding them a perfect 10.