In a move that promises to dazzle fans of both football and sequins, former England international Karen Carney is reportedly in advanced talks to join the celebrity cast of Strictly Come Dancing 2024.
The 36-year-old football legend, who earned 144 caps for the Lionesses, is set to trade her football boots for dancing shoes in the BBC's flagship entertainment show this autumn. Carney, now a respected sports pundit, would bring a new kind of footwork to the famous ballroom.
From Pitch to Parquet Floor
Carney's potential signing is seen as a major coup for Strictly producers. Her impressive career includes representing Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics and playing a pivotal role in England's third-place finish at the 2015 World Cup.
Since retiring from professional football in 2019 after a storied career with clubs like Arsenal, Birmingham City, and Chelsea, Carney has become a familiar face on television. She currently serves as a lead analyst for ITV's football coverage and Amazon Prime's Premier League broadcasts.
A New Challenge Beckons
While the BBC has maintained its traditional silence on the upcoming lineup, sources suggest Carney has been approached and is seriously considering the offer. Her participation would follow in the footsteps of other sports stars who have found success on the show, including cricketer Mark Ramprakash and gymnast Louis Smith.
This potential pairing of sporting discipline with artistic expression is exactly what makes Strictly such compelling television. The show's producers are known for seeking contestants with competitive backgrounds, and few are more competitive than an elite international athlete.
The new series of Strictly Come Dancing is expected to return to BBC One in September, with the full lineup of celebrities typically announced in August. If confirmed, Carney would be the first former Lioness to take on the Strictly challenge.
