LIONESS

Karen on Jiving Away Nerves

- BY KATIE BEGLEY

When Karen Carney steps on to the dance floor, she is battling more than most to stay in Strictly.

That's because the former Lioness doesn't just have to learn the routine, pray for decent scores from the judges and hope fans at home back her.

Karen also has to overcome a spinal deformity which means many moves she has to learn don't come easy at all.

Scheuermann's disease has left the 38-year-old with a curved spine but she has not let it hold her back on the BBC show, determined to have as much fun as possible.

So it came as no surprise that when judge Motsi Mabuse told her to “challenge” her disability, her comments were met by a fierce backlash from fans.

In an exclusive chat ahead of tonight's Halloween special, Karen shrugs off the restraints of her condition.

“I'm happy, I'm healthy, and it’s never stopped me from doing what I want to do,” she says. “I might not be the perfect dancer. I will not have the perfect posture. But I'll give it my best.

“Dancing is about joy, it's how much fun you have and how much joy you can bring to the audience.

“I think if you can achieve that, that’s the whole point.”