FIX OR FURY? Karen Carney “Does the Impossible”… But Accusations of ‘Manipulation’ and Claims the BBC ‘Pushed Her Through’ Leave Her Final Spot Under a Cloud

What was meant to be a celebration of talent has turned into one of Strictly Come Dancing’s most explosive talking points of the season.

Former Strictly professional James Jordan has reignited controversy after accusing the show of “manipulating” viewers — just days after Karen Carney defied his blunt prediction and stormed into the 2025 final.

And he’s not backing down.

From Dismissal to Disbelief

Earlier in the series, Jordan — who danced on Strictly between 2006 and 2013 — was brutally clear about where he believed Karen’s journey would end.

“There is not a hope in hell she will make the final,” he declared in November.

Fast forward to Saturday night, and that statement now looks spectacularly wrong.

Karen and partner Carlos Gu topped the leaderboard with a powerful Salsa and an emotional Waltz, secured the public vote, and sailed straight past the dance-off — earning their place in the final alongside Amber Davies and George Clarke.Karen could win the show this weekend (Credit: BBC)

“The Audience Has Been Pushed”

Speaking after Sunday’s results show, Jordan admitted he had misjudged the outcome — but quickly replaced his prediction with a far more serious accusation.

“I don’t think she’s as good a dancer as the others,” he said.
“I do think the audience has been manipulated slightly. It feels pushy. They’re pushing her.”

While conceding that Karen is now a potential winner, Jordan insisted the path to the final didn’t feel organic.

“She’s not going to be in the bottom two,” he said. “But for me, she’s not a finalist.”

‘Set Up’ for Success?

The former Celebrity Big Brother star went further, suggesting that the show itself has engineered Karen’s rise.

“For some reason, the BBC wants her in the final,” he claimed.

It’s a statement guaranteed to divide viewers — especially after weeks in which Karen and Carlos never once landed in the bottom two, steadily winning over judges and the public alike.

Fans Left Choosing Sides

Jordan’s comments have sparked fierce debate online, with fans split between those applauding Karen’s consistency and emotional growth — and others questioning whether her sporting legacy and storyline have played a role in her momentum.

What’s undeniable is this: Karen Carney has gone from under-estimated outsider to finalist under fire, all before the Glitterball has even been lifted.

And with the final just days away, the tension around her place in the competition has never been higher.

One question now hangs over the ballroom:

Is Karen Carney’s run a triumph of public support —
or the most controversial journey to a Strictly final in years?