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Karen Carney Discloses Past Suicidal Thoughts as She Prepares 'Born This Way' Routine on Strictly

She presents the BBC contest as a chance to rebuild confidence after sustained sexist abuse in her punditry career.

Overview

  • The former England international says online trolling during her punditry led to suicidal thoughts and prompted her to delete her Twitter/X account in December 2020.
  • Carney also recounts a 2009 depression while at Chicago Red Stars, describing self-harm and a sleeping‑pill addiction before returning to the UK on Emma Hayes’ advice to, in her words, save her life.
  • Competing with professional partner Carlos Gu, she is scheduled to perform a Couples Choice routine to Lady Gaga’s Born This Way, which the pair say they chose to honor their mothers.
  • The duo recently earned 39 out of 40 for a Blackpool Paso Doble, drawing praise from the judges and boosting their standing in the competition.
  • Supporters have rallied behind Carney’s Strictly run, and comedian Chris McCausland noted on ITV’s Lorraine that he and Carney were once next‑door neighbours as he praised her progress.