Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Spectacular Live Final

This piece covers the outcome of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion, becoming the first footballer to win the coveted trophy.

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

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, remarked: "This is incredible, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "speechless".

It was an heartfelt night in the studio, as hosts 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, compassion and pure joy" had been at the core of the show's popularity, stating: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly brilliant".

As usual, one of the dances in the grand finale was selected by the judges, one was their own favourite 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 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 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 initial to grace the dance floor.

The pair performed 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'.

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 salsas and foxtrots, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the public vote.

"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has backed our experience, 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 proud and never give up."

Other memorable moments on the night included the majority of the contestants of 2025 coming back for one more performance.

However, 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 "independently overseen and verified to ensure total fairness".

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

Tess and Claudia's Last Final

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise announcement that they would be leaving their roles 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 companion program It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their final time hosting a Strictly final, and both were full of emotion as they signed off.

During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were recorded notes from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the production team and fans of the show.

The Queen's message said: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the bonds forged, the challenges overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a shared endeavour.

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

"The kindness, care 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 appearance will be the holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.