Karen Carney Stuns on Blackpool Week, Deserves Strictly Final

Published: 25 November 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Lewis Cope topped the Strictly Come Dancing leaderboard on Saturday night, but it was another star who delivered the real wow moment of the Blackpool special: the phenomenal Karen Carney.

With her partner Carlos Gu and their backing dancers—who add extra flair and energy to all Blackpool routines—Carney executed one of the best paso dobles Strictly has ever seen. From the moment the music started, the former England player was a powerhouse performer, confidently delivering a routine packed with drama, lifts, and dizzying spins that drew audible gasps from the audience.

“That’s how you score a goal, that’s for sure,” said Craig Revel Horwood, who arguably regretted not giving Carney a perfect 10. Motsi Mabuse added, “I do not have a paddle that can express how good that dance was. It doesn’t exist.” Shirley Ballas chimed in, “I’ve never seen a paso doble like that.” Anton du Beke concluded, “This was an absolute tour de force.”

The routine marked Carney’s most impactful performance since week one, when she set an incredibly high bar with a jive that suggested she had been dancing for years. Unfortunately, that early brilliance meant she has arguably spent the following weeks chasing the wow factor she achieved in her debut.

It’s not that the England Lioness hasn’t delivered other standout performances. Her Halloween Week Argentine Tango was equally electric, capturing the intensity and rhythm of the dance while allowing her athleticism to shine through. The following Saturday, she delivered one of the most energetic Charlestons the Strictly ballroom has ever seen, demonstrating incredible stamina and precision with her partner. Each week, Carney has proven she can combine technical skill with a flair for performance that engages the audience and judges alike.

Blackpool Week is often described as the pinnacle of the Strictly calendar, and for good reason. The ornate ballroom, the glitzy costumes, and the live band all contribute to an atmosphere that demands performers push themselves to the limit. Many contestants find the pressure affects their dancing, but Carney clearly thrives under these circumstances. Her paso doble performance was not just technically precise but also narratively compelling, telling a story of strength and determination that resonated with viewers and judges alike.

The paso doble, a dance that embodies passion and intensity, is not an easy routine to execute. It demands perfect posture, sharp footwork, and dramatic expression, all while synchronizing with a partner who must match every movement. Carney achieved this with apparent ease, her athletic background clearly helping her maintain balance, flexibility, and energy throughout the routine. Every lift, turn, and flourish was executed with precision, showing that she has developed a deep understanding of the dance’s nuances.

Judges’ reactions underlined just how exceptional Carney’s performance was. While Craig Revel Horwood’s playful quip highlighted his admiration for her sporting metaphor, Motsi Mabuse’s praise emphasised that Carney had transcended what even experienced dancers could achieve on the floor. Shirley Ballas’ astonishment confirmed that the performance stood out not just technically but artistically. The consensus was clear: Carney’s Blackpool paso doble was a career-defining moment in this Strictly series.

Beyond the technical excellence, Carney’s performance demonstrated her growth as a performer. Over the weeks, she has clearly honed her ability to connect emotionally with the audience, adding character and storytelling to each routine. This combination of skill, presence, and showmanship is what distinguishes finalists from other contestants, and Carney has showcased all three attributes consistently.

Fan reactions on social media mirrored the judges’ enthusiasm. Clips of her Blackpool performance circulated widely, with viewers praising her confidence, poise, and the seamless partnership with Carlos Gu. Comments highlighted how her athletic background translated into elegance and strength on the dance floor, elevating routines that might challenge less experienced contestants. Many viewers argued that her consistency, combined with her peak performance in Blackpool, made her one of the most deserving contestants for a spot in the final.

Carney’s journey on Strictly has not been without challenges. The early weeks saw her experimenting with different styles, and while she impressed from the start, maintaining momentum in a competition that increasingly demands spectacle can be difficult. She has faced complex routines, high-pressure performances, and intense scrutiny from both judges and fans. Yet, through it all, she has maintained focus, energy, and charisma, demonstrating resilience—a quality that often makes the difference in the later stages of Strictly.

Looking ahead, if Carney continues at this level, her chances of reaching the final are extremely strong. Blackpool Week often serves as a predictor of who will excel in the semifinals, as it tests both technical mastery and the ability to shine under pressure. Carney has demonstrated she can do both, combining precise technique, creative choreography, and an engaging stage presence. Her performances suggest that she has not only learned the steps but internalised the spirit of the dance, allowing her to deliver routines that feel both effortless and electrifying.

In conclusion, Karen Carney’s Blackpool performance was a masterclass in what makes Strictly Come Dancing compelling: skill, storytelling, and sheer entertainment. From the commanding paso doble to her charismatic presence, she proved she belongs among the series’ finest performers this year. With the combination of technical prowess, artistic flair, and consistent audience appeal, Carney has undoubtedly earned her place in the Strictly final, and fans can expect even more spectacular performances as the competition progresses.