Former footballer Karen Carney has set the Strictly Come Dancing competition alight, delivering a show-stopping performance that earned her a perfect score and high praise from the judges, who declared her a potential winner.
A Standing Ovation For A Stunning Routine
The Birmingham-born sports pundit, dancing with professional partner Carlos Gu, performed a Couples Choice routine to Lady Gaga's Born This Way on Saturday night. The electrifying dance featured an impressive moonwalk, breakdance elements, and rapid footwork, culminating in a perfect score of 40 from the judges and a standing ovation from the audience.
An Emotional Dedication and a Confidence Restored
Before taking to the floor, Carney dedicated the emotional performance to her mother, Marie, for supporting her football dreams when she was the only girl playing in her youth. She also revealed that her time on Strictly has been transformative, helping to restore confidence she felt was knocked by the negativity she received as one of the first prominent female football pundits.
The judges were unanimous in their acclaim. Craig Revel Horwood told her, "That dance just got you into the Champions League." Motsi Mabuse exclaimed, "Girl honestly this was just everything...you knocked it out of the park."
Head judge Shirley Ballas added an emotional endorsement, stating, "I'm quite emotional because I love a strong woman...you really have put yourself in with a shot at this whole Strictly Come Dancing whole thing."
Viewers and Partner React to the Triumph
The emotion of the moment overwhelmed her dance partner, Carlos Gu, who broke down in tears. He sobbed, "I've never seen her so happy. I just burst into tears because she loves dancing...she loves it more than me." Host Claudia Winkleman even offered her sleeve to dry his eyes.
Viewers at home were equally amazed, taking to social media to share their excitement. One fan declared, "Karen Carney has just blown everyone else out of the water," while another stated, "That nod to Michael Jackson. Give her the trophy now." A third viewer went even further, commenting, "We have a responsibility as a nation to crown her." With a perfect score and such overwhelming support, Karen Carney has firmly positioned herself as a frontrunner for the Glitterball trophy.
