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Karen Carney Becomes Early Strictly Frontrunner as Katya Jones Defends Lewis Cope

Shortened odds are fueling scrutiny of past training, spotlighting how pros shape their partners.

Overview

  • Karen Carney and Carlos Gu topped Week One with 31 points for a jive to Blondie, making the ex-England footballer the early leader.
  • Bookmakers have cut Carney’s winner odds from around 16/1 to roughly 5/1 after her debut, according to multiple reports.
  • Carney acknowledged childhood dance training and said rehearsals are a physical challenge, adding she will use a posture aid as she prepares a Tango to Dua Lipa’s Training Season for Saturday.
  • She revealed she accidentally elbowed Gu in the nose during rehearsals, with the pro confirming he has fully recovered.
  • Late replacement Lewis Cope scored 28 with a high-energy jive; after judges urged more control, partner Katya Jones said she will not dull his passion as they train—boxing warm-ups included—for a Viennese Waltz to Lose Control.