Karen Carney took to the dance floor for the second time in this series of Strictly Come Dancing – and she was joined by former team-mate and fellow Lioness Jill Scott in the training room.
Carney – who has 144 caps for England – thanked all the Lionesses for their support, saying: “We’ve backed each other, and we always will – I’m grateful for their support.”
Last week, Carney became the first footballer in 18 years to top the Strictly leaderboard, gaining 31 points for her jive.
She reflected: “Saturday was sensational. I don’t think I’ve ever seen myself that happy since I played.”
Carney’s professional dance partner Carlos Gu commented that he had been surprised that a former footballer had taken to performing so easily: “I didn’t know she had that performance side of her!”
And Scott replied: “When the lights go on, that’s when Karen Carney is unleashed!” adding: “I’m so proud of Karen, whatever happens, she’s our winner.”
Karen Carney: I have a curve in my spine
Carney also revealed in her pre-routine video that she has a curvature of the spine that is hampering her posture when it comes to the ballroom dances.
“I have this thing called Scheuermann’s, I’ve had it since I was a kid, it’s a curve in my spine,” she explained.
“It’s really hard for me to open my back up, there’s certain elements that I just won’t be able to do as well as I’d love to.
“But Carlos is really supportive, really encouraging.”
Scheuermann disease affects the vertebrae and rounds the upper back over, giving it a hunched appearance.
The judges’ reaction to Karen Carney’s tango
The judges were less impressed this week with Carney and Gu’s tango to Dua Lipa’s Training Season, awarding them 20 points.
Judge Motsi Mabuse thanked Carney for sharing her physical condition, but added: “There’s a specific posture that we need.”
And head judge Shirley Ballas admired Carney’s performance levels, saying that she thought it was connected to her footballing background, saying: “When you go out there, you’re used to competing.”
