Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Glitzy Live Final

This report details the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 culminating event.

Ex- Lioness Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly winner, becoming the first footballer to claim the glitterball trophy.

She overcame 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 professional dancer Carlos Gu, said: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest honour," before adding she was "speechless".

It was an emotional night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the last time - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the veteran 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 success, adding: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

Following tradition, 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 ultimate choice.

Carney and Gu executed routines including a show dance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an 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 rapturous reception - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the victorious duo faced stiff competition 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 Paso Doble 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 freestyle routine 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 public vote.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey, 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 confident and never give up."

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

However, 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 spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure complete fairness".

The group Five also performed a selection of their popular songs during the finale.

Tess and Claudia's Last Final

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the shock announcement that they would be stepping down at the end of this year's series.

Daly has presented 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 last time hosting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they said their goodbyes.

During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute 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 bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the happiness experienced in undertaking a shared challenge.

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

"The kindness, care and sheer happiness you have projected with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's appeal."

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