Former England footballer Karen Carney opens up about her confidence transformation and emotional breakthrough with partner Carlos Gu as Strictly Come Dancing reaches Blackpool week

Strictly Come Dancing’s glitterball may still be weeks away, but for Karen Carney and her pro partner Carlos Gu, reaching the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom already feels like its own kind of victory.

The duo, who danced a paso doble during Saturday night's Blackpool special, have developed a close friendship during the series, despite the former England women's footballer acknowledging they couldn't be more different, and now Blackpool couldn't be more "exciting".

“Honestly, just walking around the building is special,” Karen says, eyes lighting up as she talks about stepping into the historic ballroom

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