Strictly Winners Crowned in Spectacular Grand Final
This piece covers the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.
Ex- Lioness Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly champion, becoming the first footballer to win the coveted trophy.
She beat reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the public vote in Saturday's grand finale.
Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, remarked: "I can't believe it, it's been the biggest honour," before adding she was "overwhelmed".
It was an emotional night in the studio, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the long-running hosts.
In a note presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and sheer joy" had been at the core of the show's popularity, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly brilliant".
Following tradition, one of the dances in the final show was selected by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the series, and the other was a show dance.
The judges gave guidance scores but the public made the final decision.
Carney and Gu executed routines including a freestyle to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an Argentine Tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.
They also performed a sports-inspired jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, earning them a rapturous reception - and their second full marks of the night.
But the victorious duo faced fierce rivalry from the other remaining couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to take to the dance floor.
The pair performed routines including a freestyle to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Paso Doble to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a jive to 'Proud Mary'.
In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr reprised their dramatic dance to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle.
They also did their freestyle routine to 'Human' by The Killers, and a Viennese Waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.
But after weeks of tangos, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the public vote.
"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our experience, and supported us," said Carney.
Gu told her she had "changed my life," adding: "To the girls and boys watching at home, aim high and be proud and never give up."
Other memorable moments on the night included most of the cast of 2025 returning for one more routine.
However, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was rigged.
A representative rejected the claim, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure total accuracy".
The group Five also performed a selection of their hits during the grand final.
The Hosts' Last Final
Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the shock announcement that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's series.
Daly has hosted since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having hosted Strictly's companion program It Takes Two since 2004.
This was their final time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion as they said their goodbyes.
During the live broadcast, as well as the message from the Queen, there were messages from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the crew and fans of the show.
The Queen's message said: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the bonds created, the challenges conquered and the happiness experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.
"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly pairing of all.
"The kindness, care and sheer joy you have radiated with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's success."
Daly and Winkleman's final show will be the Christmas special, which airs on 25 December.
