The world of Strictly Come Dancing is full of surprises, and the latest involves footballer Karen Carney and a past champion. The Lioness, currently dazzling on the BBC show, has a secret history with the 2024 winner, comedian Chris McCausland.
From Neighbours to Strictly Stars
Appearing on ITV's Lorraine to promote his memoir, Chris McCausland revealed his unexpected connection to the current contestant. He explained that during the lockdown, he and Karen Carney were next-door neighbours, sharing a communal garden.
"Me and Karen, also, completely coincidentally, were next door neighbours for quite a while and we met during lockdown," McCausland told stand-in host Christine Lampard. He jokingly added, "I think to have two consecutive Strictly winners from the same road will put the house prices up!"
McCausland, who made history as the show's first blind contestant and winner with professional partner Dianne Buswell, also tipped Carney for Glitterball glory. He described her journey as "what the show is about," praising her for learning, having ups and downs, and now truly thriving.
Overcoming Adversity: Karen Carney's Personal Journey
The revelation about her Strictly connection comes as Karen Carney herself has opened up about profound mental health struggles from her past. The 38-year-old detailed a difficult period in 2009 after signing for the US football team Chicago Red Stars.
Following a knee operation, Carney said she became addicted to sleeping pills and began self-harming. "I was in a pretty bad way," she confessed, calling it the hardest thing she has ever had to overcome.
Her coach, Emma Hayes, urged her to return to the UK despite having a year left on her contract. "I came back purely to… save my life," Carney told The Guardian. With support from friends, she emerged from that dark place to end her career on a high, becoming the third most-capped England player in history with 144 appearances.
From Pitch to Punditry and the Dance Floor
Since retiring, Carney has become a respected football pundit and chaired the UK government's landmark review into women's football. However, her media career has also been challenging. In December 2020, she deleted her Twitter account after receiving thousands of abusive messages following comments about Leeds United.
"That crushed my confidence. It floored me as a human, completely floored me," she said, becoming emotional. "I've never got over it." She described the online abuse as feeling "like the whole world was caving in on me."
Now, she feels her Strictly journey is helping to rebuild her. The overwhelming positivity from the experience has left her feeling confident and supported, praising her professional partner Carlos Gu for encouraging her to be unapologetically herself.
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