Explore Strictly’s Karen Carney’s Life Off-Screen: Relationship Updates and Overcoming Addiction
Karen Carney, a prominent figure known for her performances on “Strictly Come Dancing,” has also carved a remarkable path in football. Her journey is marked by numerous milestones, including representing England at the 2012 Olympic Games and achieving significant accolades in women’s football.
Achievements in Sports
At 38 years old, Karen has impressed audiences with her dance performances, including her jive in Week 1 and a stunning paso doble during the Blackpool special. Currently, she is partnered with Carlos Gu and is about to tackle the Couple’s Choice dance to “Born This Way” as well as the challenging ‘Instant Dance’ segment.
Before her time on “Strictly,” Carney was a key player for the Lionesses. Upon retiring in 2019, she held the distinction of being the second most capped player for the national team. Following her retirement, she transitioned into sports punditry, providing insights for major networks such as ITV and Sky Sports.
Personal Life and Relationships
While Karen has largely maintained privacy regarding her personal life, she is currently believed to be single. She was previously linked to Liesel Jolly, with whom she co-created the Second Half initiative. This program supports women footballers in building careers after their playing days.
Challenges and Overcoming Trolls
As a football pundit, Carney has faced negativity online, which has impacted her confidence. In an interview on the “Just as Well” podcast, she addressed the challenges of dealing with online critiques, especially when compared to renowned figures like Roy Keane and Ian Wright. She expressed, “I’ve had to just go with that mindset… It’s knocked my confidence.”
Despite the difficulties, she continues to focus on her work, stating that the opinions of professionals in her field matter most to her.
Struggle with Addiction
During her time with the Chicago Red Stars, Karen faced a severe knee injury that led to a battle with depression and addiction. In her interview with The Guardian, she revealed that she resorted to self-harming and became addicted to sleeping pills during this low period. She acknowledged the pivotal role her coach, Emma Haynes, played in her recovery journey by urging her to return to the UK.
Reflecting on her experiences, Karen stated, “People around me dragged me through, and it’s an amazing feeling when you can get through that.” She emphasized the importance of support systems in overcoming personal challenges.
Support Resources
For those facing similar struggles, organizations like Samaritans offer crucial assistance. In the UK and Ireland, individuals can reach out via freephone at 116 123 or email at [email protected] or [email protected].
