Strictly Winners Crowned in Glitzy Live Finale
This report details the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.
Former Lioness Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion, becoming the first footballer to win the glitterball trophy.
She defeated Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the public vote in Saturday's grand finale.
Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest honour," before saying she was "speechless".
It was an poignant night in the ballroom, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.
In a message read out by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and sheer joy" had been at the heart of the show's success, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".
As usual, one of the dances in the final show was chosen by the judges, one was their own favourite 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 performed dances 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, garnering them a rapturous reception - and their second full marks of the night.
But the victorious pair faced fierce rivalry from the other competing couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to grace the stage.
The couple delivered routines including a show dance to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Paso Doble to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a upbeat dance 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 show dance to 'Human' by The Killers, and a classical waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.
But after weeks of tangos, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the viewer poll.
"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported our journey, 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 confident and never give up."
Other highlights on the night included most of the cast of 2025 returning for one more routine.
Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was rigged.
A representative denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure total accuracy".
The group Five also performed a selection of their popular songs during the grand final.
The Hosts' Last Final
Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise revelation that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's season.
Daly has presented since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board 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 signed off.
During the televised event, as well as the message from the Queen, there were messages from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the production team and devotees 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 friendships: the bonds created, the struggles conquered and the joy shared in undertaking a shared endeavour.
"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.
"The warmth, care and sheer happiness you have projected with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's appeal."
Daly and Winkleman's final show will be the Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.
