Strictly star thankful for home city support

England footballer Karen Carney has said she couldn't have reached the Strictly Come Dancing semi-final without support from her home city.

The former Birmingham City Women star and football pundit from Solihull said: "When home supports you it means a lot, I really do appreciate the support from Birmingham."

Saturday saw the return of Musicals week, in which she and partner Carlos Gu danced to the Rhythm of Life from Sweet Charity. They scored 34, but for her the score did not define her experience.

"Our mantra is, give everything that we've got and put it on the dance floor," she said.

"To be honest, we don't take those things like where we're ranked etc from week one even to this point now.

"Our attitude has never changed. We always stick to what we control, and that is how much effort we put in and just attack everything that we can.

She added: "I love dancing with Carlos, and love the meaning behind it. I get to watch this guy dance every single day. And my goodness, he's so talented, and he's born to dance."

As well as the Blues, Carney played for Chelsea, Arsenal and England.

She is now a pundit for both men's and women's football on TNT and ITV.

With 144 caps, she is also England's third-most capped player, competing at four World Cups, four European Championships and the London Olympics before retiring in 2019.

The Strictly experience had, she said, given her a sense of confidence the sport sometimes took away from her.

"For 30 years, I feel like I've had to put on like a tin hat or armour to be in that space.

"This is the first time where I can relax and hopefully show people who I am, I'm sensitive, I care so much.

"I regret that from football, not living in the moment every single day, and I made a promise to enjoy this experience and give absolutely everything.

"I love the show, but I knew what it would do for me, my confidence and also for my self belief," Carney said.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.