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Strictly Star Karen Carney: Dancing Through Pain
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Karen Carney overcame addiction to sleeping pills and abuse.
- She battles Scheuermann's disease, affecting her spine.
- Strictly Come Dancing helps rebuild her confidence.

Karen Carney, a former Lioness footballer, is currently a standout contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, defying expectations and winning over fans. Her journey is marked by remarkable resilience, having overcome significant personal battles, including addiction to sleeping pills and severe online abuse during her punditry career. These challenges profoundly affected her mental well-being.
Carney also lives with Scheuermann's disease, a lifelong spinal condition that impacts her posture. Despite enduring pain throughout her football career and facing limitations, she has always persevered. Her participation in Strictly Come Dancing has provided a much-needed platform for healing and self-expression.
The positive environment on Strictly has been instrumental in rebuilding Carney's confidence. She finds immense joy and happiness on the dance floor, a stark contrast to the negativity she previously faced. Her journey highlights a powerful comeback, showcasing her strength and determination.