Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Karen Carney Secures First Perfect Score in Dramatic Week 10

Former footballer Karen Carney achieved a major milestone on Strictly Come Dancing. She and professional partner Carlos Gu earned their first perfect score during Week 10 of the 2025 season. The electrifying performance was followed by a nerve-shaking new challenge that reshuffled the leaderboard.

The BBC competition introduced an “Instant Dance” round, testing the couples’ improvisational skills live on air. This new element added a layer of unpredictability to an already tense competition, with fortunes changing in a matter of minutes.

A Night of Highs and Lows for the Former Lioness

Carney and Gu’s Couple’s Choice routine to Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” captivated the Elstree studio audience. The judges awarded them a flawless 40 out of 40. According to the BBC, head judge Shirley Ballas called it a “masterclass in performance and technique.”

The celebration was short-lived. The new Instant Dance challenge required couples to perform a randomly selected dance style with almost no preparation. Carney and Gu drew the Cha Cha Cha, a difficult style for impromptu performance.

They managed to secure only one additional point from this bonus round. This placed them sixth in the Instant Dance standings, a stark contrast to their earlier triumph.

Leaderboard Shakeup Defines Intense Competition

The weekly results created a dramatic shift in the competition. Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin ultimately finished first overall with 44 points. They also received a perfect score for their main dance and excelled in the Instant Dance.

Lewis Cope and Katya Jones won the Instant Dance challenge itself. Their surprise Jive earned them six bonus points, propelling them to second place on the overall leaderboard with 42 points.

Karen Carney and Carlos Gu finished the night in third place with 41 total points. Their journey from the football pitch to the ballroom continues to be one of the most compelling stories of the series. Their steady improvement each week demonstrates significant dedication and growth.

The Instant Dance Challenge Tests Every Couple’s Mettle

The introduction of the Instant Dance was designed to reveal true adaptability. Couples had mere seconds to decide on their choreography after learning their dance style. The pressure was immense, separating rehearsed routines from raw dance instinct.

This format change highlights the show’s ongoing evolution. Producers continue to seek new ways to challenge both celebrities and professional dancers. It ensures that no one can rest on their laurels, even after a perfect score.

The challenge had a clear impact on the final standings. Several couples saw their positions change based on their improvisational skills alone. For frontrunners, it was a reminder that every point is crucial as the competition nears its finale.

Karen Carney’s Strictly Come Dancing 2025 journey proves that resilience is as important as perfection in the ballroom. Her ability to handle both triumph and setback makes her a formidable contender for the Glitterball Trophy.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Instant Dance challenge on Strictly?

The Instant Dance is a new element where couples are assigned a dance style at random. They have only a short time to prepare their routine before performing it live. It tests their quick thinking and adaptability under pressure.

Who won the Instant Dance in Week 10?

Lewis Cope and Katya Jones won the Week 10 Instant Dance with a Jive. Their performance earned them the maximum six bonus points available. This victory helped secure their second-place position on the overall leaderboard.

What was Karen Carney’s song for her perfect score?

Carney and Gu danced their Couple’s Choice routine to “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. The powerful anthem complemented their dynamic and emotional performance. The routine received a standing ovation from the audience and judges.

How does the Instant Dance affect the competition?

The Instant Dance adds bonus points to the couples’ main scores. These points can significantly alter the final leaderboard. It introduces an element of surprise that can benefit underdogs or challenge frontrunners.

Who is at the top of the leaderboard now?

Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin lead the competition after Week 10. They have a total of 44 points from their combined performances. The competition remains extremely tight heading into the next round.