'It's a privilege to dance here' says Strictly's Karen Carney as she and Carlos Gu prepare for Blackpool Week

Few moments on Strictly Come Dancing carry the same weight as stepping out onto the floor of Blackpool’s world-famous Tower Ballroom.

For Karen Carney, who swapped football boots for ballroom shoes, the occasion has stirred a mix of excitement, nerves and awe.

Joined by her partner, Carlos Gu, the pair are preparing a dramatic Paso Doble they hope will light up one of the show’s most iconic venues.

Here, they talk to the Blackpool Gazette about the magic of the ballroom and the hard graft behind the glitter:

How does it feel to get the chance to perform in Blackpool’s iconic Tower Ballroom?

Karen: I’m really excited to be in Blackpool. I was actually saying to Carlos earlier that I felt pretty nervous because it’s so iconic. Then we walked into the Tower Ballroom and I was just taking in all the architecture and history. Seeing it through Carlos’s eyes too - he’s been here so many times and still gets so excited - makes it even more special. It’s such a unique place. I’m nervous to dance here, but I’m also excited and feel really privileged.

Blackpool Week on Strictly is known for its atmosphere - bigger floor, bigger audience, bigger staging. Does that change how you approach your performance?

Carlos: It’s interesting you ask, because it really does. It actually helps. We ran our dance in rehearsal today and Karen danced so much better than in the training room. The space is so magical that it lifts you. Just by standing and dancing on that floor, you become better. The ballroom is beautiful. I’ve been here many times, but each experience feels different. It always makes you want to dance.

What can people expect from your performance in Blackpool?

Carlos: It’s going to be grand and dramatic. We’re doing the Paso Doble which is perfect for the Blackpool floor, and we’re dancing to O Fortuna from Carmina Burana. Everything comes together so perfectly. We’re just going to go out there and give it everything we have.

Karen, has your experience of Strictly lived up to what you imagined?

Karen: Strictly has surpassed it. You’re always a bit apprehensive when you love something and watch it at home - you wonder whether doing it will feel the same. It’s gone beyond anything I imagined. It’s been unbelievable, the best thing I’ve done and the best decision I’ve made. And with Carlos as my partner - he’s an unbelievable dancer and he absolutely loves the Paso Doble - it’s a joy and a privilege to watch him dance every day in the training room. He’s so gifted and talented, and I feel very lucky.

Your Strictly journey has had ups and downs on the scoreboard, but the last two weeks have seen you back in the 30s. Do you feel like you’ve found your stride?

Karen: For me and Carlos, the approach has always been to take it day by day. We work as hard as we can, and I always guarantee Carlos that I’ll give everything. That attitude won’t ever change in anything I do. I gave him my word on that.

Carlos: One hundred per cent. She’s a fighter - she’s a footballer, an athlete - and I’ve learned from her how much determination and hard work they bring. Their commitment is more than ours as dancers. I’ve never met anyone who works as hard as Karen and she gives me everything. Of course, some dances don’t suit her and she has to work really hard to make them better.

Karen, you’ve been open about your curved spine making some ballroom posture difficult. How have you adapted your training around that?

Karen: It’s credit to Carlos. He’s given me exercises and I’ve really built up muscle mass in my upper body. I’m trying my absolute best. I’ve got a curved spine, that’s not going to change, but I can improve in other areas to give myself the best chance. I’ll never be able to get into certain positions, but Carlos is amazing at supporting and encouraging me, and at finding different techniques to make things work for us.

Have you had a chance to do any sightseeing in Blackpool while you’re here?

Carlos: We went to the pier and had doughnuts and fish and chips by the seaside.

Karen: I think I’m going to check out the amusement arcades later.

Carlos: I love Blackpool. It’s my second favourite place after London, genuinely.

Do you have a message for the people of Blackpool ahead of your performance?

Carlos: Blackpool is the centre of the dance world. I really hope the people here enjoy our dance as much as we do - and please, we need all the votes from Blackpool! You’re our people. We love you all.