Footballer Karen Carney lifts Strictly Glitterball

Former England star Karen Carney has been crowned the champion of Strictly Come Dancing, marking a historic moment as the first footballer to achieve this feat. Alongside her professional partner Carlos Gu, Carney lifted the coveted Glitterball trophy after a season of dedicated performances.

Carney shared that her participation in the popular dance competition was a transformative experience. She explained that the punditry work she had undertaken for several years had been 'crushing,' leading to a significant decline in her confidence. Strictly provided her with a much-needed opportunity to rebuild, offering positive reinforcement that she hadn't experienced for decades.

Despite a challenging journey, including initial struggles after a strong start, Carney and Gu's performances improved significantly, particularly after their memorable Halloween routine. The victory has been widely celebrated, with Carney expressing profound gratitude for the support throughout her Strictly journey, highlighting the unique bond she formed with her dance partner.