In a heart-to-heart on BBC’s It Takes Two, Strictly Come Dancing contestant Karen Carney left viewers and host Fleur East in awe as she opened up about her lifelong spinal condition, revealing the challenges it poses on the dancefloor. The former football star, paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, joined two other contestants to chat about their journey ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Movie Week performance.
Last weekend, Karen and Carlos delivered a fiery Tango, but their score of 20 marked a dip from their impressive week one performance. Despite this, their combined score of 51 keeps them riding high on the leaderboard. However, it was Karen’s candid discussion about her health that stole the spotlight during her chat with Fleur East on the BBC Two show.
When asked how her spinal condition, which she’s managed since childhood, affects her in the competition, the 38-year-old didn’t hold back. “I’m not going to lie, it was hard,” she admitted. “Getting into frame, as Carlos mentioned, is quite difficult. But I’m happy, I’m healthy, and there’s been a lot of improvement, even from the launch show.” Her resilience shone through as she spoke of embracing the process, despite physical limitations. “There are things I won’t be able to do, but with Carlos’ help and support, we’ll get there,” she added with a determined smile. “I’m happy, I’m healthy, and it doesn’t stop me from dancing.”
Karen’s positivity is infectious, but the pressure of the competition is undeniable. With Amy Dowden and Thomas Skinner already eliminated as the first couple to leave the show, Fleur probed whether the exit had sparked Karen’s competitive streak. Her response was refreshingly honest: “No! I’m absolutely petrified. I know it’s a competition, but in my head, it’s not.” For Karen, the joy of dancing overshadows the rivalry. “I love this, and I don’t like the process of seeing myself or anyone going home because no one deserves it. We’re all working hard,” she said, earning admiration for her sportsmanship.
This weekend, Strictly fans are in for a treat as Karen and Carlos prepare to dazzle with a Cha Cha to She’s a Lady from Miss Congeniality for the show’s Movie Week. With Karen’s grit and Carlos’ expert guidance, this duo is set to light up the dancefloor, proving that no challenge—not even a spinal condition—can dim their star power.
As Karen continues to defy the odds, her story is a reminder that heart and determination can outshine any obstacle, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting her next move. Will their Cha Cha steal the show? Tune in to Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday to find out!