Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Glitzy Live Final
This article reveals the conclusion of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final.
Former England footballer Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion, becoming the first footballer to claim the coveted trophy.
She defeated reality TV star Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the audience vote in Saturday's live final.
Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, said: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "lost for words".
It was an heartfelt night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with the Queen among those offering praise to the long-running hosts.
In a message presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, compassion 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".
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 guidance scores but the viewing audience made the ultimate choice.
Carney and Gu performed 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 football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a standing ovation - and their second perfect score of the night.
But the victorious duo faced fierce competition from the other competing couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to grace the stage.
The pair performed dances 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 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the viewer poll.
"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has backed our experience, and supported us," said Carney.
Gu told her she had "been transformative," adding: "To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be proud and never give up."
Other highlights on the night included most of the contestants of 2025 coming back for one more routine.
Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had alleged 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 checked to ensure total accuracy".
The boyband Five also performed a string of their popular songs during the finale.
The Hosts' Final Final
Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the shock revelation that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's season.
Daly has hosted since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having fronted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.
This was their final time hosting a Strictly final, and both were full of feeling as they said their goodbyes.
During the televised event, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were recorded notes from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the crew and devotees of the show.
The Queen's message said: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the connections created, the challenges overcome and the happiness experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.
"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly pairing of all.
"The kindness, compassion and pure joy you have radiated with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's appeal."
Daly and Winkleman's last ever appearance will be the holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.
