Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Glitzy Grand Final

This article reveals the result of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion, emerging as the first footballer to win the glitterball trophy.

She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was paired with pro partner Carlos Gu, remarked: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest privilege," before adding she was "speechless".

It was an poignant night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with the Queen among those paying tribute to the long-running hosts.

In a message read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness" had been at the heart of the show's popularity, adding: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

Following tradition, one of the dances in the final show was chosen by the judges, one was their own favourite dance from the competition, and the other was a freestyle routine.

The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the final decision.

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 sports-inspired jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a rapturous reception - and their second full marks of the night.

But the victorious duo faced fierce rivalry from the other remaining couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to take to the stage.

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 revisited 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped 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," adding: "To the young people watching at home, aim high and be confident and never give up."

Other memorable moments on the night included most of the cast of 2025 returning for one more routine.

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

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

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

The Hosts' Final Final

Earlier this year, 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 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 feeling as they said their goodbyes.

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

The Queen's message read: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the connections forged, the struggles conquered and the joy shared in undertaking a shared challenge.

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

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

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