Strictly Champions Crowned in Spectacular Grand Final
This report details the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.
Former Lioness Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly champion, becoming the first footballer to win the glitterball trophy.
She beat Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning 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 biggest honour," before saying she was "lost for words".
It was an emotional night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with the Queen among those paying tribute to the veteran hosts.
In a note read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and pure happiness" had been at the core of the show's success, adding: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".
Following tradition, one of the dances in the grand finale was selected by the judges, one was their own favourite dance from the series, and the other was a show dance.
The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the final decision.
Carney and Gu executed dances including a show dance 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 full marks of the night.
But the victorious duo faced strong rivalry from the other remaining couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to grace the dance floor.
The pair delivered dances 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 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 Viennese 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 "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 the majority of the contestants of 2025 coming back for one more performance.
Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had alleged earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was rigged.
A representative denied the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure complete fairness".
The group Five also performed a selection of their popular songs during the grand final.
The Hosts' Final Show
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 inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having hosted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.
This was their final time hosting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion as they said their goodbyes.
During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the production team and fans of the show.
The Queen's message read: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the challenges overcome and the happiness shared in undertaking a shared endeavour.
"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly partnership of all.
"The kindness, care and sheer 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.
