Former England footballer Karen Carney has opened up about the transformative power of Strictly Come Dancing, describing the show as a chance to rediscover herself after a career spent in the male-dominated world of football. The 36-year-old pundit, who has become a standout contestant this series, says the experience has been overwhelmingly positive despite recent controversies surrounding the programme.
Carney, who retired from football in 2019, admits she has had to learn to be softer and slower for the ballroom, a challenge for someone whose sporting career demanded speed and aggression. She has also had to overcome physical limitations caused by Scheuermann's disease, a spinal condition that affects her posture and makes the 'frame' required in ballroom dancing particularly difficult.
Reflecting on the online abuse she has faced as a female pundit, Carney says she has had to develop a tough exterior. 'I've pretty much been told I shouldn't really play football, and then I shouldn't really talk about it,' she explains. 'So you have to be really resilient, maybe play a character that has to fight, whereas – which I think I've been able to show on Strictly – I'm quite soft and pretty sensitive.'
The show has been rocked by the arrest of a male contestant on suspicion of rape and the announcement that hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will leave after this series. However, Carney insists the cast and crew have created a supportive environment. 'There's a team spirit within the cast. Behind [the scenes], the team can't do enough for you to have the best experience,' she says.
Carney's journey has been marked by standout performances, including an Argentine tango to the Peaky Blinders theme song and a pasodoble at Blackpool. She credits her parents for instilling a strong work ethic that has seen her earn a master's degree and MBA alongside her sporting and broadcasting careers. 'I've never been so happy. I've never smiled so much,' she says of her time on the show.
