As Strictly Come Dancing reaches Blackpool week, former England international footballer Karen Carney talks about her emotional breakthrough and self-assurance with her partner Carlos Gu.
Strictly Come Dancing’s glitterball may still be weeks away, but for Karen Carney and her pro partner Carlos Gu, reaching the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom already feels like its own kind of victory.
The duo, who danced a paso doble during Saturday night’s Blackpool special, have developed a close friendship during the series, despite the former England women’s footballer acknowledging they couldn’t be more different, and now Blackpool couldn’t be more “exciting”.
Karen says, “Honestly, walking around the building is special,” and her eyes glaze over as she discusses the first time she has stepped into the historic ballroom. “Blackpool is magical because of its architecture, balconies, and other aspects.” You are immediately struck when you arrive.
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It’s a destination she never imagined she’d reach. “Not at all,” she laughs when asked if Blackpool was ever on her Strictly bingo card. A footballer at heart, the former Lioness says the show has completely transformed her.
She nods at Carlos, saying, “He’s helped me gain confidence.” I wanted to do the show because of this. The cha-cha pushed me so far beyond my comfort zone, but he believed in me. I’m feeling rewired.
After devoted more than three decades to football, it’s a significant change. For the first time in 30 years, Karen explains, “I’ve never had a ball or a tactics board with me.” It’s been incredible to see who I really am.
And the feedback has been overwhelming for the former football star. “I’ve had messages from little girls saying they’re getting into football or dance because of us,” she says. “For me it’s about showing that if you put your heart and soul into something, anything is possible.”
Carlos beams when asked what his first impression of Karen was. “My first impression was, ‘She’s a footballer… I’m going to do my best!’” he laughs. “We’re total opposites—she loves Peaky Blinders, I love Downton Abbey—but opposite attracts. She works so hard. She’s bruised, battered, everything, but she never stops.”
Their emotional breakthroughs have been some of the series’ standout moments—none more so than last week, when Carlos was visibly overcome after the judges recognised Karen’s improvement. “It was one of her toughest weeks,” he says. “Her back was hurting, she couldn’t breathe. But she kept trying. Seeing the judges acknowledge that work—it just got me.”
Karen acknowledges the physical exhaustion is real. She jokes that “people forget I’m half-broken from football.” “I would still be playing if I were still in shape!” Carlos and I both promised and I will give everything to him.
Beyond the dance studio, the support behind them extends far. Karen says, “My family is my biggest cheerleader.” When my mother Face-tweeted me, she said, “Where’s Carlos? ” I’m like… I’m here too”!
She also reveals she’s been cheered on by former teammates, including close friend Alex Scott, who is currently in the I’m A Celebrity jungle. “Alex was my roommate for 14 years. She messaged as soon as I was announced. I watched her Paso at Blackpool—so special. I didn’t know she was going into the jungle, though!”
Karen, who has a trademark humility, shuts down any talk of the final—or winning. I haven’t considered winning yet. I only want to take pleasure in each moment. This opportunity is only available to 15 people annually. That is sufficient for me.
She insists that Strictly is not a career choice despite the fact that there are likely more opportunities ahead. I’m not here for the outcome. Because I enjoy the show, I’m here. I wanted to demonstrate a different side of me and gain more self-assurance. That’s my only intention.
The cast is roosting as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman prepare for their most recent Strictly film. We love them, Carlos exclaims softly. It will undoubtedly be emotionally charged, but that’s life.
Scheuermann’s disease, a rare spinal condition that causes curvature, which is a key component of ballroom dancing, has also been an additional challenge for Carney.
The football pundit has left Gu deeply moved, with the professional dancer becoming emotional during last weekend’s programme after their American Smooth performance received glowing feedback from the judging panel.
Steps’ medley, performed live on Saturday at the famed Tower Ballroom, was followed by the four judges, celebrities, and Strictly professional dancers.
Source: Mirror
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