Strictly Winners Announced in Spectacular Grand Final
This piece covers the result of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final.
Former Lioness Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to lift the coveted trophy.
She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the audience vote in Saturday's live final.
Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "overwhelmed".
It was an poignant night in the studio, as presenters 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 note presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and sheer happiness" had been at the heart of the show's success, adding: "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 guidance scores but the public made the ultimate choice.
Carney and Gu executed routines including a freestyle 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 pair faced strong rivalry from the other competing couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to take to the stage.
The couple delivered 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 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 topped the viewer poll.
"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has backed our journey, and supported us," said Carney.
Gu told her she had "been transformative," adding: "To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be proud and never give up."
Other highlights on the night included most of the contestants of 2025 returning for one more performance.
Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had alleged earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was unfair.
A representative denied the claim, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and checked to ensure complete accuracy".
The boyband Five also performed a selection of their popular songs during the finale.
The Hosts' Last Final
Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the shock revelation that they would be leaving their roles 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 final time hosting a Strictly final, and both were full of emotion as they signed off.
During the televised event, as well as the message from the Queen, there were recorded notes from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the production team and devotees 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 created, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly pairing of all.
"The kindness, compassion and pure joy you have projected with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's appeal."
Daly and Winkleman's final appearance will be the holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.
