Strictly Champions Crowned in Glitzy Live Finale

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

Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to win the glitterball trophy.

She defeated reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.

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

It was an heartfelt night in the studio, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the last time - with the Queen among those paying tribute to the veteran hosts.

In a message presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and pure joy" had been at the heart of the show's popularity, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".

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

The judges gave guidance scores but the viewing audience 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 sports-inspired jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.

But the winning pair faced fierce competition from the other remaining 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 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 supported our journey, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "been transformative," commenting: "To the girls and boys watching at home, aim high and be confident and never give up."

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

Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was unfair.

A spokesperson denied the claim, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure total fairness".

The boyband Five also performed a string of their popular songs during the grand final.

Tess and Claudia's Final 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 season.

Daly has presented since the inaugural 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 emotion as they said their goodbyes.

During the live broadcast, as well as the message from the Queen, there were recorded notes from TV cook 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 created, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint challenge.

"Should that be the case, 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 success."

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