Strictly Champions Crowned in Spectacular Grand Final

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

Ex- Lioness Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion, emerging as the first professional soccer player to claim the coveted trophy.

She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the public vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "overwhelmed".

It was an poignant night in the studio, as hosts 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 "warmth, empathy and pure happiness" had been at the core of the show's popularity, stating: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

As usual, one of the dances in the grand finale was selected by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the series, and the other was a show dance.

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 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 rapturous reception - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the victorious pair faced stiff competition from the other competing couples.

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

The pair delivered 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 upbeat dance to 'Proud Mary'.

Meanwhile, 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 salsas and foxtrots, 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 experience, 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 proud and never give up."

Other highlights on the night included most of the cast of 2025 coming back for one more performance.

Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was rigged.

A representative rejected the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure total fairness".

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

The Hosts' Final Show

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise revelation that they would be stepping down at the end of this year's season.

Daly has presented since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board in 2014, having fronted 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 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 said: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the bonds forged, the challenges overcome and the happiness shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly pairing of all.

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

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