Strictly Come Dancing Winners Crowned in Spectacular Grand Final

This report details the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 championship.

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

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

Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the biggest privilege," before saying she was "lost for words".

It was an emotional night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the last time - with Queen Camilla 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, compassion and sheer joy" had been at the heart of the show's success, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

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

The judges gave advisory scores but the public made the ultimate choice.

Carney and Gu executed dances 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 standing ovation - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the winning duo faced stiff rivalry from the other competing couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace 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 jive to 'Proud Mary'.

In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr reprised their dramatic dance 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 viewer poll.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our experience, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "changed my life," commenting: "To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be confident and never give up."

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

Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had alleged earlier that the vote that saw him leave the show was unfair.

A spokesperson denied the claim, saying the show's audience vote was "independently overseen and checked to ensure total fairness".

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

The Hosts' Final Show

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise announcement that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's series.

Daly has presented since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having hosted 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 said their goodbyes.

During the live broadcast, as well as the message 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 read: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the bonds forged, the challenges conquered and the joy shared in undertaking a shared endeavour.

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

"The kindness, care and pure happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's success."

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