Even host Claudia Winkleman was gushing over the second city before Karen took to the floor for a Peaky Blinders inspired Argentine tango
Karen and Carlos did a Birmingham-themed routine to the Peaky Blinders theme tune(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing star Karen Carney paid homage to her home town Birmingham in the latest live show – and had the audience and judges eating out the palm of her hand.
Performing an Argentine tango to Red Right Hand, the theme tune from Brummie institution Peaky Blinders, she earned her best score of the series with 38 points and earning two 10s.
But fans of the show said she was being ‘unfairly treated’ and deserved a perfect 40.
Karen was full of love for her home town as she took pro partner Carlos Gu to the second city in a VT played before the performance.
Read more Strictly star earns first perfect score with ‘best ever dance in 23 series’
She gushed: “When I come back it makes me feel nostalgic. All my family are from here, they’ve been here all their life.
“It’s a really special place…I really hope everyone in Birmingham enjoys it.”
Claudia also had praise for the city, adding: “Kaz and Carlos are looking amazing. They go to the home of chocolate, Ozzy Osbourne and instant custard. We love you Birmingham!”
The judges were wowed by the performance, with head judge Shirley Ballas commenting: “Here we are on week 5 and I have to say in my time on the show it’s been the toughest competition. You absolutely smashed the choreography for me.
“I liked the intensity…you were sure footed…entertaining, just great.”
Anton Du Beke agreed, saying: “You came out week 1 and did the jive and we all went ‘Ah I see, she’s a bit good this one’.
“And then you went away somewhere…it wasn’t the same. You sort of hid yourself away.
“Tonight you’ve gone ‘I’m back everybody and what’s more I’m better than ever. This was extraordinarily good. I loved it.”
Even Craig Revel Horwood had praise for the former footballer turned pundit saying: “That was clean, that was confident. I love, love, love.”
Speaking after her performance Karen said she was ‘so proud’ to be repping Birmingham and her favourite show Peaky Blinders.
Fans said the performance will ‘go down in history’. @strictlyxtweets wrote on X: “HOLY F***. This Argentine Tango must go down in history…Karen & Carlos just KILLED THAT!!!!!!!! don’t f*** with the Peaky Blinders.”
@AFPMan2014 commented: “Someones whos never danced before and a footballer……YES KAREN….THAT FOOTWORK WAS AMAZING. #strictly #StrictlyComeDancing.”
@KDCunliffe agreed: “Seeing the sheer unadulterated joy when someone with no dance experience delivers something THAT good is one of the joys of Strictly. That was special from Karen Carney.”
@thetalentguru said: “Karen Carney deserved the perfect score! A novice dancer who has been superb since the beginning. Her Argentine Tango with Carlos was fantastic! Looks like i will give her points again this week as she is being so unfairly treated. #Halloween.”
@Legen_dary93 echoed: “Also Karen deserved a 40 for her dance. #Strictly,” and @ssssrrrhh agreed: “Karen deserved all 10s idc. Someone who has never danced before pulling off a dance like that is incredible. THAT is deserving of tens across the board. #Strictly.”
@Thomasstevens00 added: “Karen is 100% back in the running! #Strictly.”
