Football pundit and former England Lioness Karen Carney was reduced to tears during Saturday night’s Strictly Come Dancing semi-final after delivering two emotionally charged routines that divided judges and left her position in the competition hanging by a public vote thread.

The 38-year-old sports broadcaster, partnered with professional Gorka Márquez, performed a passionate Argentine Tango to “Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics followed by a high-energy Salsa medley incorporating football-inspired lifts. While the Salsa earned praise for its fun and athleticism, the Argentine Tango received mixed feedback, with head judge Shirley Ballas criticising Carney’s frame and Craig Revel Horwood awarding a low 6, describing it as “stompy and lacking finesse.”

Total scores placed Carney joint-bottom of the leaderboard on 31 points alongside comedian Josh Widdicombe, setting up a potential dance-off scenario on Sunday’s results show. As Tess Daly asked how she felt, Carney, visibly emotional, replied through tears: “I gave it everything… every single week. I’m absolutely gutted with the scores but so proud of what we’ve created.”

Partner Gorka immediately wrapped her in a hug as the audience gave a standing ovation, with many viewers at home quick to brand the marking “harsh” and “unfair.” Social media erupted within minutes, with #SaveKaren trending nationwide as football fans, women’s sport supporters, and Strictly loyalists urged the public to vote.

Former England teammate Lianne Sanderson posted: “Karen has been class personified. That Argentine Tango had fire – Craig needs glasses!” While Gary Lineker wrote: “Come on everyone, get voting for Karen Carney. Proper grafter and a lovely human.”

However, a significant portion of the audience felt the leaderboard reflected technical ability accurately, with some predicting Carney would face the dance-off against Widdicombe or actress Sarah Hadland.

Carney’s Strictly journey has been one of the feel-good stories of the 2025 series. Starting as a complete novice, the retired midfielder – who earned 144 caps for England and won every domestic honour with Arsenal and Chelsea – has shown remarkable progress, earning her first 10s two weeks ago for a powerful Paso Doble that paid tribute to the Lionesses’ Euro 2022 victory.

Throughout the series she has been open about imposter syndrome, repeatedly saying she felt “out of her depth” among trained performers. Her partnership with Márquez has been praised for its warmth and mutual respect, with the professional dancer calling her “the hardest worker I’ve ever had.”

This week’s routines carried extra significance as they coincided with the anniversary of England’s World Cup final appearance in 2023, where Carney provided punditry for the BBC. The Salsa included football-themed tricks – including a clever nod to her famous free-kick technique – that brought the house down.

Bookmakers have dramatically shortened odds on Carney reaching the final, reflecting a surge in public support following the emotional moment. Ladbrokes spokesperson Nicola McGeady said: “We’ve seen huge money for Karen tonight – the great British public love an underdog story.”

Sunday’s results show will reveal whether the vote has been kind. If saved, Carney and Márquez are prepared with a Showdance incorporating elements of her football career alongside classic ballroom, a routine she describes as “the proudest three minutes of my life.”

Whatever the outcome, Carney’s tearful “I gave it everything” has already cemented her place as one of the series’ most inspiring contestants, embodying the Olympic-style spirit Strictly bosses hoped for when casting sporting personalities.

The final takes place next Saturday at the Tower Ballroom, with the remaining couples battling for the glitterball trophy.