Strictly’s Karen Carney says it was like ‘scoring a goal’ in ‘unbelievable’ admission

The England football legend is dancing on the BBC series with pro dancer Carlos Gu

View 2 Images

Karen Carney on Strictly spin-off It Takes Two(Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Carney has said that it was like ‘scoring a goal’ as she made an ‘unbelievable’ admission about the BBC programme.

The former Lionness, who played 144 games and scored 33 goals for England, is currently competing in the dancing competition with Carlos Gu.

Karen had a night to remember on Saturday night (November 1) as she and Carlos took part in the programme’s Halloween week.

With Karen from Birmingham, the pair danced a Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine Tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds.

Receiving their first tens of the series, Karen and Carlos were awarded 38 out of 40 points for their routine inspired by the Cillian Murphy series.

Returning to Strictly spin-off It Takes Two on Wednesday night (November 5), Karen and Carlos spoke to presenter Janette Manrara about surviving another week.

“I still can’t believe it to be honest, you could see my jaw dropping as the first one came out. I could not believe it. It was so unreal, we were both thrilled.

View 2 Images

Karen and Carlos dedicated their dance to the people of Birmingham(Image: BBC)

“To be able to do my favourite show, it’s set in Birmingham and I’m from Birmingham, that meant a lot to me. I went in on Monday going ‘I’m not going to let them down’,” she said.

Carlos added: “You should have seen her in the training the first hour of Monday. There’s a superpower inside of her, I’ve seen it from day one.

“In this dance I thought it was the perfect time for her to try something different and challenging. She absolutely nailed it, she wouldn’t let me down.”

Saying that it was her ‘favourite dance so far’, Karen noted that she ‘fell in love’ with the character, her har and the ballroom being turned into Birmingham.

“It definitely boosts your confidence for sure, we have intensity in our pockets. It challenges you, you have to play it even better.

“You have to higher your game every single day and every single week. That’s what we’re going to do. We’re not going to let ourselves down or the people who voted for us down. We’re going to keep it up and do our best,” Carlos said.

With Janette asking how Strictly is compared to football, Karen revealed how her most recent dance was reminded her of her playing days.

She explained: “The only thing I could say is the celebration after Saturday when the dance was over was as if I scored a goal.

“The euphoria, the crowd, the atmosphere and the joy that you executed it was just as good as scoring a goal for me. It was amazing.”

Performing the Charleston to Upside Down by Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin’s Think. This weekend, Janette pointed out that Carlos has scored 35 and 38 when he’s done the routine in the past.

“Maybe I was right, I told her [Karen] that Charleston is my favourite dance on Strictly that I’ve ever done. It’s so right and joyful.

“When the music plays, you forget about everything and anything in life. You drone in on the dancing and enjoy it,” Carlos joked.