Reaching the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom has become a monumental personal victory for Karen Carney and her professional dance partner Carlos Gu on Strictly Come Dancing, marking an emotional high point in her journey from the football pitch to the dance floor.
An Emotional Breakthrough in Blackpool
The former England women's footballer described the experience of performing in the historic ballroom during Saturday night's special as pure magic. Her eyes lit up as she recounted the moment, stating that the architecture and atmosphere of Blackpool hit you the moment you arrive. This was a destination the former Lioness never imagined she would reach when she first signed up for the competition.
Carney credits her professional partner, Carlos Gu, for a profound personal transformation. She confessed that the show has completely rewired her, with Carlos helping her grow a confidence she never knew she possessed. This growth was particularly evident during their cha-cha, which she described as being far outside her comfort zone.
From Football Boots to Dance Shoes
This journey marks a significant departure for Carney, who dedicated over three decades to football. For the first time in 30 years, she explained, she is without a ball or a tactics board, allowing her to show the real person behind the athlete. The feedback has been overwhelming, with Carney revealing she has received messages from young girls inspired to pursue either football or dance because of their partnership.
Carlos Gu beams with pride when discussing his partner's progress. He admitted his first impression was simply, 'She's a footballer… I'm going to do my best!' Despite being total opposites in their tastes—she loves Peaky Blinders while he prefers Downton Abbey—he emphasised that her relentless work ethic has been incredible, noting she continues to push through bruises and pain.
Overcoming Physical and Emotional Hurdles
The emotional breakthroughs have become standout moments of the series. Last weekend, Carlos was visibly moved to tears after the judges recognised Karen's significant improvement following one of her toughest weeks, where she danced through back pain and breathing difficulties.
Carney jokes that people often forget she is 'half broken from football,' a legacy from her athletic career. She also navigates the additional challenge of Scheuermann's disease, a rare spinal condition that makes maintaining the crucial posture for ballroom dancing particularly difficult. Despite this, she promised Carlos she would give him everything, and she is delivering on that vow.
The support system behind them is robust. Carney's family are her biggest cheerleaders, though she laughingly noted that her mother's first question on a FaceTime call was often, 'Where's Carlos?' She has also been cheered on by former teammates, including close friend Alex Scott, who was her roommate for 14 years and is currently in the I'm A Celebrity jungle.
Despite the buzz and their successful paso doble, Karen shuts down any talk of winning the glitterball trophy with trademark humility. Her aim, she insists, is simply to enjoy every moment of an opportunity only 15 people get each year. For her, Strictly was never a career move, but a chance to grow her confidence and show a different side of herself—a goal she feels she has wholeheartedly achieved.
