Strictly Come Dancing star admits 'I'm petrified' as she issues health update

Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Carney made a candid confession as she opened up about her health condition. The former professional footballer, 38, appeared on It Takes Two alongside her dance partner Carlos Gu on Thursday, where they reflected on last week's performance and looked ahead to what's next. Despite scoring just 20 points in week two, the pair remained at the top of the combined leaderboard thanks to their impressive 31-point haul the previous week.

During Saturday night's episode, Karen revealed she has lived with a spinal condition since childhood. She told the camera: "I have this thing called Scheuermann's. I've had it since I was a kid. It's a curve in my spine so it's really, really hard to open my back up. There are certain elements that I just won't be able to do as well as I'd love to. But Carlos is really supportive and encouraging."

Asked how the condition might affect her throughout the competition, Karen told Fleur: "It was hard and as Carlos mentioned, getting into frame is quite difficult. But I'm happy and healthy and there's been a lot of improvement."

Fleur also touched upon the first vote, which saw Tom Skinner eliminated. When asked if she felt confident heading into the results show, Karen admitted she was nervous and feared they might be the first to leave.

The former X Factor star asked: "I'm curious to know, has the elimination ignited that competitive side?"

Immediately shutting this down, Karen declared: "No, I'm absolutely petrifiedI know it's a competition but in my head it's not.

"I love this and I don't like the process. I don't like seeing, whether it be myself, or anyone else going home because no one deserves to because we're all working hard."

She added: "But I know I've signed up to it so I'll just have to cuddle into [Carlos] and pray and just see what happens."

This weekend is Movie Week, bringing viewers a showcase of stunning costumes, thrilling routines, and non-stop entertainment. Karen and Carlos will be hoping to wow the four judges with their Cha Cha to She's A Lady from Miss Congeniality.