Strictly's Karen Carney worry's fans as she bravely opens up about health condition

Strictly Come Dancing fans have shared their concerns for Karen Carney after the footballer opened up about her little-known health condition, which has been a "physical challenge" for her during rehearsals. On Saturday night (October 4), the Lioness took to the BBC stage with her professional dance partner Carlos Gu as they performed the Tango to Training Season by Dua Lipa. But before their performance, the TV star came clean about her little-known condition during her VT.

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."

After giving another performance, the judges couldn't help but point out the error in her posture during the criticism. Motsi began: "First of all, thank you for sharing with us about your curved spine.

"It's going to be something that we're going to have to challenge here to see how far we can get you to open up because it's a ballroom dance, and there is a specific posture that we need.

"That being said, last week you were at the top of the leader board, and there was a bit of an ease in the way you attacked. This week, I could feel the nerves; there was a bit of a jitterbug everywhere.

"It happens to us all, so I think you just have to think about breathing, about loosening up, about connecting to your partner and really understanding fundamentals." Meanwhile, Anton Du Beke shared ways in which the sportswoman could "cheat" the look the judges were looking for in her ballroom performances.

After listening to the criticism, Karen and Carlos received a total score of 20 points out of 40, 11 points less than the previous week. At this point, Karen's admission sparked concern among viewers online, who flocked to social media to voice their concerns.

One user wrote: "This spine issue could hinder Karen throughout the entire series. That said, I enjoyed it." Another agreed, "Oh, they want La Voic and Karen in the dance off. I feel sick." Another chimed in: "Karen and Carlos in the dreaded second slot, please don't undermark my babies."

Meanwhile, a third added: "I was kinda worried Kaz was a one-trick pony last week, but that was great, she really has so much potential to go far."

The first Strictly elimination will take place on Sunday night (October 5), and bookies have been sharing their predictions about which contestants will be given the boot first. Betway believes that Thomas Skinner and Amy Dowden could be the first stars to leave the show.

Meanwhile, the stars leading the charge for the next winner of Strictly is YouTuber George Clarke, who appears to have overtaken Emmerdale star Lewis Cope, with Vicky Pattison hot on their heels.