Strictly’s Karen Carney Reveals Post-Final Events Before ‘Feral’ Discovery
In a recent episode of their Long Story Short podcast, Karen Carney, the 2025 winner of Strictly Come Dancing, shared her unforgettable post-victory moments. Paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, Karen emerged as a frontrunner in this popular BBC One series.
Achievements on Strictly Come Dancing
Karen Carney became the first footballer in 18 years to lead the Strictly leaderboard in week one. Throughout the competition, she impressed both judges and viewers, leading to her triumphant win in December 2025 alongside Carlos Gu. The victory was announced by the iconic hosting duo, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
Emotional Reflections
Despite her success, Karen revealed that the moment still felt surreal. In conversation with her podcast co-host and former teammate, Jill Scott, she expressed disbelief at her win. “It feels like a blur,” she admitted, highlighting her astonishment at securing the Glitterball trophy.
Initial Doubts and Surprising Connections
Initially, Karen didn’t believe she could win the competition. She recalled an early conversation with Carlos where they discovered their lack of common interests. Despite not sharing a background in football, they bonded over television shows, with Karen mentioning her love for “Peaky Blinders” and Carlos for “Downton Abbey.”
Post-Final Revelations
After the grand finale, Karen described her transition from the stage to the celebration. She spent half an hour in silence, reflecting on her victory, until her runner, Mimi, urged her to join the festivities. Karen’s manager also reminded her that she was missing her own party.
A Wild Celebration
The party atmosphere was lively and unexpected. Karen noted the chaos and excitement as the Strictly team partied together. Various rooms featured different DJs and even a beer pong setup, adding to the festive environment. Karen shared her astonishment at the extent of the celebration, describing it as “feral” and unlike anything she had experienced before.
- Series: Strictly Come Dancing 2025
- Winner: Karen Carney with Carlos Gu
- First Footballer to Lead: 18 years
- Victory Announcement: December 2025
- Podcast: Long Story Short
Karen Carney’s journey through Strictly Come Dancing has been remarkable. Her candid reflections on the competition and the celebrations provide a glimpse into the excitement surrounding the show.
