Strictly Champions Crowned in Spectacular Live Final

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

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly winner, emerging as the first footballer to lift the glitterball trophy.

She defeated Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after winning the public vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, remarked: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest honour," before saying she was "overwhelmed".

It was an heartfelt night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those paying tribute to the long-running hosts.

In a message read out by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and pure happiness" had been at the heart of the show's success, adding: "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 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 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 pair faced strong rivalry from the other competing couples.

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

The couple performed 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 Paso Doble 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 won the public vote.

"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported our experience, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "been transformative," commenting: "To the girls and boys watching at home, aim high and be confident and never give up."

Other memorable moments on the night included the majority of the cast of 2025 returning for one more performance.

However, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him leave the show was rigged.

A spokesperson rejected the claim, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure complete accuracy".

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 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 joined in 2014, having fronted Strictly's companion program It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their final time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they signed off.

During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the production team and fans of the show.

The Queen's message read: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds created, the struggles conquered and the joy experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.

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

"The warmth, care and sheer joy you have projected with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success."

Daly and Winkleman's last ever show will be the holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.