Strictly winner Karen Carney says she’s been ‘rebuilt’ by the show

Strictly Come Dancing champion Karen Carney has revealed she’d been ‘rebuilt’ by her stint on the show, after facing years of being ‘crushed’ by her work as a pundit.

The former England star, 38, made history on Saturday when she became the first footballer ever to lift the glitterball trophy after she and professional partner Carlos Gu were crowned champions.

Prior to her appearance on Strictly, Karen admitted she’d faced vile trolling for her work as a pundit, having commentated on Premier League matches for TNT Sports as well as the World Cup and Euros for both the men and women’s teams on ITV.

And following her historic win, Karen has now revealed that taking part in Strictly has brought back her confidence, and she received ‘positive reinforcement’ for the first time in decades.

Karen and Carlos run to Strictly glory wasn’t easy, as after topping the leaderboard in week one with their jive, she struggled for a number of weeks.

However, after the pair danced a Peaky Blinders-themed Argentine Tango for Halloween, their fates changed, and they were announced as the winners during the live final.

Karen told The Telegraph: ‘Entering the pundit space has crushed me over the last five or six years. Imagine, since you’ve been eight years old, being told: ‘You shouldn’t’, ”You can’t”, ”You won’t”. ”Why?” 

And when I retired and started punditry: ”You shouldn’t”, ”You can’t”, ”Why?”, ”No”. I didn’t realise the impact of all that. After that jive in the very first week, I got positive reinforcement for what felt like the first time in 30 years. And I just couldn’t cope with it.’ 

‘People asked me, ”Why have you picked the biggest show in the country if you need to rebuild your confidence?” But I love the show so much, and I always felt this was a safe place for me to go. And in my heart, in my gut, I knew this was the place where I could rebuild again.’

As Tess and Claudia announced she had won, Karen was left speechless as she embraced her pro partner Carlos.

She said: ‘I cannot believe it. I just wanna say thank you to everybody that’s supported our journey, supported us, and, thank you to this wonderful gentleman [Carlos].

‘We are a team, and, I could not have done this without you, but honestly, I can’t believe it, it’s been the biggest privilege and honour, and, I literally, I’m lost for words. I’m so sorry.’

Karen later took to her official Instagram account to thank fans as she held the glitterball trophy firmly in her hands with Carlos.

They said: ‘Hi everybody! We did it!

‘We can’t, I honestly, we can’t believe it, but we just want to say thank you so, so much for all your support, all your votes, all your kind words, it means everything to me and Carlos.

‘So thank you. Thank you so much.’

Before the result was announced, Tess and Claudia received a special tribute VT after this year’s series highlights were aired.

However, they were left blown away as Craig Revel Horwood read out a special letter from Her Majesty The Queen.

It said: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.

‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

‘If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.

‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.

‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’