In a breathtaking performance that stole the show, former England footballer Karen Carney delivered what many are calling one of the best paso dobles in Strictly Come Dancing history during the coveted Blackpool special.
A Star is Born in Blackpool
While Lewis Cope officially topped the leaderboard on Saturday, 22nd November 2025, it was Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu who created the most electrifying moment of the night. With the support of backing dancers—a signature of the Blackpool episodes—Carney executed a powerful and dramatic routine filled with impressive lifts and dizzying spins, holding her own from the first note of the music.
The judges were left almost speechless by the display. Craig Revel Horwood declared, "That’s how you score a goal, that’s for sure," hinting at regret for not awarding a perfect 10. Motsi Mabuse stated, "I do not have a paddle that can express how good that dance was. It doesn’t exist." Shirley Ballas praised its uniqueness, saying, "I’ve never seen a paso doble like that," while Anton du Beke concluded it was an "absolute tour de force."
The Journey Back to Peak Form
This standout performance marked a return to the incredible form Carney first showcased in week one, where a stunning jive set a remarkably high bar. Since then, she has had other fantastic moments, including an electric Halloween Week Argentine Tango and one of the most energetic Charlestons the show has seen. However, the Blackpool special saw her recapture that initial wow factor.
Several factors may have contributed to this triumphant return. Carney thrives in routines that require getting into character, which the paso doble provided in abundance. Furthermore, the pressure was temporarily lifted as there was no dance-off this week following La Voix's injury-induced exit.
The Grit Behind the Glamour
More than anything, the performance was a testament to Carney's relentless work ethic in the training room. After her American Smooth the previous week, an emotional Carlos Gu revealed to Claudia Winkleman just how dedicated his partner is. He highlighted that despite managing a spinal condition that causes a curved spine, Carney was determined to improve her ballroom technique.
"She came into the training room and she said, 'Carlos, I really want to try hard. I know my back has problems, but I really want to try and I really want to show that I'm improving just a little bit'," Gu shared. "You have no idea how hard she's been working."
With the final just four weeks away and only three eliminations left, this year's competition remains wide open. However, Karen Carney's phenomenal Blackpool paso doble has solidified one undeniable fact: she has more than earned her place in the final.
