Strictly Champions Crowned in Spectacular Live Finale
This report details the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 championship.
Former Lioness Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly winner, becoming the first footballer to claim the coveted trophy.
She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after winning the public vote in Saturday's grand finale.
Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, remarked: "This is incredible, it's been the greatest privilege," before adding she was "overwhelmed".
It was an emotional night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the last time - 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 "kindness, compassion and pure joy" had been at the core of the show's popularity, stating: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".
As usual, one of the dances in the final show was selected by the judges, one was their own favourite dance from the competition, and the other was a freestyle routine.
The judges gave advisory scores but the public made the ultimate choice.
Carney and Gu performed dances including a freestyle to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.
They also performed a football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, earning them a standing ovation - and their second perfect score of the night.
But the winning pair faced fierce competition from the other competing couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to grace the stage.
The couple performed routines including a show dance to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Spanish-inspired dance to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a jive to 'Proud Mary'.
In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr reprised their Paso Doble 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 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 "changed my life," commenting: "To the young people watching at home, aim high and be confident and never give up."
Other highlights on the night included the majority of the cast of 2025 returning for one more routine.
However, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was unfair.
A spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure total accuracy".
The boyband Five also performed a selection of their hits during the grand final.
Tess and Claudia's Last 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 hosted since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board in 2014, having hosted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.
This was their last time presenting a Strictly final, and both were full of feeling as they said their goodbyes.
During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were recorded notes 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 friendships: the connections created, the challenges conquered and the happiness shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly pairing of all.
"The kindness, compassion and pure happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's success."
Daly and Winkleman's last ever appearance will be the Christmas special, which airs on 25 December.
