Strictly Come Dancing Winners Crowned in Glitzy Live Final
This article reveals the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.
Former England footballer Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly champion, becoming the first footballer to claim the coveted trophy.
She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the audience vote in Saturday's grand finale.
Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, stated: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "speechless".
It was an heartfelt night in the ballroom, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the last time - with Queen Camilla among those paying tribute to the long-running hosts.
In a message presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, compassion and pure happiness" had been at the core 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 preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a freestyle routine.
The judges gave guidance scores but the public made the final decision.
Carney and Gu performed routines including a show dance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an Argentine 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 full marks of the night.
But the victorious duo faced strong competition from the other remaining couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to grace the stage.
The couple delivered dances including a freestyle to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Paso Doble to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a jive to 'Proud Mary'.
In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again their dramatic dance to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle.
They also did their show dance 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 topped the viewer poll.
"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported our journey, and supported us," said Carney.
Gu told her she had "been transformative," adding: "To the young people watching at home, dream big and be proud and never give up."
Other highlights on the night included most of the cast of 2025 returning for one more routine.
However, online figure Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was unfair.
A spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure complete accuracy".
The boyband Five also performed a selection of their hits during the finale.
Tess and Claudia's Last Show
Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise announcement that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's season.
Daly has hosted since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board in 2014, having hosted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.
This was their last time presenting a Strictly final, and both were full of feeling as they signed off.
During the televised event, as well as the message from the Queen, there were messages from TV cook 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 connections forged, the challenges conquered and the happiness experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.
"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.
"The kindness, compassion and sheer happiness 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 Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.
