Karen Carney has always been open about the personal challenges she has faced, both on and off the pitch, and during her time on Strictly Come Dancing she continued that tradition with striking honesty. Known primarily as a former England football star, Karen surprised many viewers not only with her performances on the dancefloor but also with the vulnerability she showed when speaking about her health, her emotions, and the pressures of appearing on one of the BBC’s most high-profile shows.

Previously, Karen had spoken candidly about living with Scheuermann’s disease, a spinal condition that can affect posture and cause pain. She explained that this condition sometimes made certain dances more difficult, as maintaining specific positions for long periods could be uncomfortable or physically demanding. Despite this, she remained determined to give her best performance each week, often pushing through discomfort while adapting her technique where necessary. Her openness about the condition was widely praised, as it highlighted an often unseen side of life as a professional athlete and public figure.

More recently, however, Karen revealed another aspect of her experience on the show that had a significant impact on her performances. She suggested that she may be autistic, explaining that she considers herself to be “on a spectrum.” She also shared that her professional dance partner, Carlos Gu, feels similarly. This revelation helped explain some of the difficulties they faced, particularly in relation to the intense production environment of a live television show.

One moment that stood out for Karen was during rehearsals for the salsa. She described how the bright ballroom lighting became overwhelming for both her and Carlos. The powerful lights, designed to create a dramatic and visually stunning effect for viewers at home, had the opposite impact on their ability to perform comfortably. For Karen, the sensory overload made it harder to concentrate and fully connect with the dance. She explained that too much lighting was simply “not good” for them, and that it affected their focus and performance.

Recognising this, the production team stepped in to make adjustments. Karen shared that the lighting system was lowered and softened to help create a more manageable environment for her and Carlos. These changes made a noticeable difference, allowing them to perform with greater ease and confidence. For Karen, this support was crucial, as it showed a willingness to understand and accommodate individual needs rather than forcing everyone to adapt to a single standard.

Beyond the technical challenges, Karen also reflected on her relationship with Carlos Gu and how it evolved over time. Although their partnership is now incredibly close, their first meeting was far from smooth. Karen admitted that when they initially met, the atmosphere was painfully awkward. She recalled sitting in silence for around ten minutes, unsure of what to say, as they struggled to find common ground. Coming from very different backgrounds, they initially felt they had little in common, and conversation did not come easily.

However, as rehearsals progressed and they spent more time together, that awkwardness gradually faded. Through shared experiences, long hours of practice, and honest conversations, their bond deepened. Karen has since described their friendship as one of the most meaningful connections she formed during her time on the show. Their understanding of each other’s sensitivities and personalities played a major role in strengthening that connection.

The closeness of their friendship was symbolised recently when Karen and Carlos decided to get matching tattoos. Choosing hearts and butterflies, the tattoos represent not only their journey on the dancefloor but also the personal growth and mutual support they shared throughout the competition. For Karen, the tattoos serve as a lasting reminder of a period in her life that challenged her in unexpected ways but also brought new understanding and self-acceptance.

Looking back on her experience, Karen’s reflections offer a powerful insight into the realities of performing under intense pressure while navigating health conditions and sensory sensitivities. Her willingness to speak openly about being “on a spectrum” has resonated with many viewers, particularly those who see their own experiences reflected in hers. By sharing her story, Karen has helped broaden conversations around neurodiversity, inclusion, and the importance of adapting environments to support different needs.

Ultimately, Karen Carney’s time on Strictly Come Dancing was about far more than learning steps and perfecting routines. It became a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and connection, one that continues to have a lasting impact long after the final dance.