Strictly Champions Announced in Spectacular Live Final

This piece covers the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 culminating event.

Ex- Lioness Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly champion, emerging as the first footballer to win the coveted trophy.

She defeated reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the public vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, remarked: "I can't believe it, it's been the biggest privilege," 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 last time - with Queen Camilla among those paying tribute to the veteran hosts.

In a message presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and sheer joy" had been at the core of the show's success, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".

As usual, one of the dances in the final show was chosen by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the series, and the other was a freestyle routine.

The judges gave advisory scores but the public made the final decision.

Carney and Gu executed dances 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 fierce competition from the other competing couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace the dance floor.

The couple 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 reprised their dramatic dance to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle.

They also did their show dance 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 topped the viewer poll.

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

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

Other highlights on the night included the majority of the contestants of 2025 returning for one more performance.

Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had alleged earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was unfair.

A spokesperson denied the claim, saying the show's audience vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure complete fairness".

The boyband Five also performed a selection of their hits during the grand final.

The Hosts' Last Show

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise revelation 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 came on board in 2014, having hosted Strictly's companion program It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their last time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion as they said their goodbyes.

During the live broadcast, as well as the message from the Queen, there were recorded notes from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the crew 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 connections forged, the challenges conquered and the happiness shared in undertaking a shared endeavour.

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

"The warmth, compassion and pure joy you have projected with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's appeal."

Daly and Winkleman's final appearance will be the holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.