Last year's Strictly Come Dancing winner Karen Carney has backed her former dance partner Carlos Gu, declaring that she's "stuck with him for life". Karen and Carlos clinched the glitterball trophy last year, and now 15 celebrities are vying to emulate their success.
Karen backs Carlos and Jaime
Following the first live show last weekend, the first celebrity will be eliminated tonight, Sunday, September 4. Karen has now thrown her weight behind Jaime Winstone, who is paired up with Carlos.
After watching Jaime and Carlos during their first live show, Karen revealed in an exclusive interview: "I'm a team Carlos fan, there's no jealousy or envy or bitterness or anything like that, I'm there to support him."
"We've got a joint tattoo, I feel like I'm stuck with him for life! I was texting him this morning, he was making me laugh, he's a great guy."
Jaime's Strictly excitement
Jaime was unveiled as a Strictly contestant earlier this year, expressing her excitement at the time: "I am so excited to announce that I will be joining the Strictly Come Dancing cast this year."
"I am no stranger to a dance floor, but the ballroom is a whole new world for me. I love a challenge though, so can't wait to enter my showgirl era and get super sparkly! Let's get physical – see you on the dance floor!"
Karen's return and Ray Winstone's support
Karen had made her return to Strictly to deliver her triumphant jive one last time alongside Carlos, joining the fresh line-up during the launch programme. Looking back on that final routine, she revealed: "I'd say it was more nerve-wracking than any of the dances I'd done in the actual series. It was bizarre. I think because I'd not really done much practicing, I'd not danced for nine months."
Karen isn't the only celebrity to have rallied behind Jaime, with the actress' father Ray Winstone revealing his genuine thoughts about his daughter's participation. The Hollywood luminary made an appearance on The One Show earlier this year, confessing about Jaime's Strictly stint: "I don't know who is more nervous, her or me? It's kind of new, she can dance anyway, but when you have to learn to dance with other people in routines, that's what she's worried about. But the great thing is, she'll be as fit as a butcher's dog."
Referring to Danny Dyer's daughter Dani, who has made a comeback to Strictly after having to withdraw due to an injury last year, Ray added: "Two good kids, I hope she does well, I hope they both do well." Strictly Come Dancing continues on Sunday at 7.10pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
