In an exciting career transition that's set to captivate audiences this autumn, former England international Karen Carney has been confirmed as one of the celebrity contestants for Strictly Come Dancing 2024.
The retired football star, who earned 144 caps for the Lionesses during her distinguished career, is swapping the pitch for the ballroom in what promises to be one of the most intriguing partnerships of the new series.
From Football Glory to Dance Floor
Carney, now 36, brings her competitive spirit from the world of professional football to the glittering Strictly stage. During her impressive football career, she represented England in four major tournaments and played for top clubs including Chelsea, Birmingham City, and Arsenal.
"I'm used to working hard and pushing myself physically," Carney commented about her new challenge. "But this will test me in completely different ways. I can't wait to embrace the discipline of dance and hopefully make the Strictly audience proud."
A New Type of Training Regime
The former midfielder, who retired from professional football in 2019, will now exchange her training boots for dance shoes as she prepares for the intense rehearsal schedule that Strictly is famous for.
Carney follows in the footsteps of other sports stars who have taken to the Strictly dance floor, including fellow footballer Peter Schmeichel and rugby player Ugo Monye. Her background in professional sport suggests she has the dedication and physical fitness required for the demanding competition.
Strictly's Growing Sports Connection
The popular BBC show has increasingly featured athletes among its celebrity lineup, with many proving to be strong contenders thanks to their discipline and competitive nature.
Carney's participation continues this trend and brings additional excitement to the upcoming series, which typically launches in September. Viewers will be keen to see if her footwork on the football field translates to success on the dance floor.
The full lineup of celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners will be revealed in the coming weeks as the show prepares for its autumn return to BBC One.
