Birmingham's own Karen Carney has danced her way into the history books, clinching victory in the grand final of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The former Birmingham City and England football star, alongside her professional partner Carlos Gu, was crowned champion, lifting the coveted Glitterball trophy and sending a wave of pride across her home city.
From Football Pitch to Dance Floor: A Historic Victory
Karen Carney has become the first footballer ever to win the BBC's flagship dance competition. Her win on December 20, 2025, caps off a remarkable journey that saw her top the leaderboard with a stunning Jive. This achievement adds to an already impressive list of honours for the local hero, who was inducted into the Birmingham City Hall of Fame back in March 2015. At that time, she was the first woman to receive the accolade, recognised for her legendary status as a lifelong fan, her FA Cup triumph with Birmingham City, and her celebrated England career, where she earned over 100 caps.
Overcoming Challenges with Brummie Spirit
Carney's triumph is made all the more extraordinary by the personal challenges she has faced. She has Scheuermann's disease, a condition causing an excessive curvature of the spine that limits movement in her upper back. Despite this, she captivated audiences from her very first performance. Throughout the competition, she proudly championed her Birmingham roots. Her Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine Tango served as a powerful tribute to the Second City, while her humble and gracious demeanour in response to judges' praise perfectly embodied the character of Brummies.
A Call for Civic Recognition
Having already brought immense pride to Birmingham through football and now through dance, there is a growing sentiment that the city should formally honour Karen Carney's contributions. One compelling proposal is for her to receive a star on Birmingham's Walk of Fame on Broad Street. As the first 'Birmingham bab' to win Strictly, her story of resilience, talent, and local pride makes her a fitting candidate for such a civic tribute. Her victory is not just a personal achievement but a moment of shared celebration for the community she has consistently represented with such distinction.
