Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Glitzy Grand Final

This report details the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly champion, emerging as the first footballer to lift the coveted trophy.

She defeated Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the biggest privilege," before saying she was "overwhelmed".

It was an emotional night in the studio, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the last time - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.

In a message read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and sheer joy" had been at the core of the show's popularity, adding: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

Following tradition, one of the dances in the final show was selected 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 ultimate choice.

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 standing ovation - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the victorious duo faced strong rivalry from the other remaining couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace 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 upbeat dance to 'Proud Mary'.

In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again their dramatic dance to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle.

They also did their freestyle routine to 'Human' by The Killers, and a classical waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.

But after weeks of ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the public vote.

"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported our journey, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "been transformative," commenting: "To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big 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.

Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him leave the show was rigged.

A representative denied the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure complete accuracy".

The boyband Five also performed a string of their popular songs during the finale.

Tess and Claudia's Final Final

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise announcement that they would be stepping down 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 last time hosting a Strictly final, and both were full of emotion as they said their goodbyes.

During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were recorded notes from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the crew 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 relationships: the connections forged, the struggles overcome and the joy experienced in undertaking a shared challenge.

"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly pairing of all.

"The kindness, care and sheer joy you have projected with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's appeal."

Daly and Winkleman's last ever appearance will be the Christmas special, which airs on 25 December.