Strictly Come Dancing Kicks Off as Karen Carney Breaks 18-Year Record

The first live show of the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing captivated audiences as former footballer Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu electrified the stage with a stunning performance. Their energetic jive to “One Way or Another” by Blondie not only wowed the judges but also allowed Carney to break an 18-year record, achieving the highest score for a footballer in the show’s history.

Broadcast on BBC One, the show featured all 15 couples, including latecomer Amber Davies, who joined the competition after replacing Dani Dyer-Bowen due to an injury. Despite the fierce competition, Carney and Gu’s performance stood out, earning them a total of 31 points, with impressive scores of eight from judges Shirley Ballas, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.

A Night of Surprises and High Scores

Carney and Gu concluded the evening with a dazzling display that had the audience on their feet. The performance, characterized by intricate footwork and dynamic choreography, left many viewers reeling. Social media was abuzz with praise, as one user commented, “Karen and Carlos aced that performance. Just wow. I’m speechless.” Another added, “Karen’s performance was absolutely incredible. Exciting times ahead.”

The atmosphere in the studio was electric, resembling a football celebration as the couple’s achievement prompted a re-evaluation of potential winners among fans. Notably, Carney’s triumph marked the first time a footballer has topped the leaderboard in nearly two decades, a feat that resonated with both the audience and the judges.

While Carney and Gu dominated the night, other competitors also made their mark. Lewis Cope and Katya Jones secured second place with their own lively jive, earning 28 points. Additionally, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, a former Olympian, moved viewers with an emotional cha cha that scored 19 points, reflecting his journey back to dance after a significant injury.

Promising Performances and Future Challenges

Carney expressed her gratitude and excitement after the performance, stating, “Everyone did an amazing job. It’s been a great show, hasn’t it?” This sentiment echoed throughout the evening as competitors demonstrated their passion and determination. The show’s format this year allows scores from the first and second weeks to be combined before eliminations begin, adding an extra layer of strategy for the dancers.

As the competition progresses, the inclusion of contestants like model Ellie Goldstein, the first person with Down syndrome to compete in the main series, highlights the show’s commitment to diversity and representation. Additionally, professional dancer Dianne Buswell announced her pregnancy, further enriching the show’s narrative.

Strictly Come Dancing will return next Saturday, promising more stunning performances and emotional moments as contestants continue to battle for the coveted title. With the strong debut of Carney and Gu, viewers are left wondering if they will maintain their momentum as the series unfolds.