Strictly Champions Announced in Spectacular Grand Finale

This piece covers the conclusion of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.

Former Lioness Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to claim the glitterball trophy.

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

Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "This is incredible, it's been the greatest honour," before adding she was "lost for words".

It was an emotional night in the ballroom, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with the Queen among those paying tribute to the veteran hosts.

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

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 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 full marks of the night.

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

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to take to the stage.

The pair 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 jive to 'Proud Mary'.

Meanwhile, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr revisited 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the public vote.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has backed our journey, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "changed my life," adding: "To the young people watching at home, aim high and be confident and never give up."

Other highlights on the night included most of the contestants of 2025 returning for one more routine.

Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had alleged earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was unfair.

A representative denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy".

The group Five also performed a selection of their popular songs during the finale.

Tess and Claudia's Last Final

In October, 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 first series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having hosted Strictly's sister show 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 TV cook Mary Berry, members of the crew and fans of the show.

The Queen's message said: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the connections forged, the challenges overcome and the joy experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.

"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.

"The kindness, care and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's appeal."

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