Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Glitzy Live Finale

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

Ex- Lioness Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly champion, emerging as the first professional soccer player to win the glitterball trophy.

She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the public vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the biggest honour," before saying she was "lost for words".

It was an emotional 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 long-running hosts.

In a note presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and sheer happiness" had been at the core 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 final show was selected by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a show dance.

The judges gave guidance scores but the public made the final decision.

Carney and Gu executed routines including a freestyle to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an Argentine 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, earning them a rapturous reception - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the winning pair faced stiff competition from the other competing couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to take to the dance floor.

The pair delivered dances including a freestyle 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'.

Meanwhile, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr reprised 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the public vote.

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

Gu told her she had "been transformative," adding: "To the young people watching at home, aim high and be proud and never give up."

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

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

A representative rejected the claim, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure complete accuracy".

The group Five also performed a string of their popular songs during the finale.

Tess and Claudia's Last Show

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise revelation 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 joined in 2014, having fronted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their final time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion 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 crew and devotees of the show.

The Queen's message said: "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 experienced in undertaking a joint challenge.

"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.

"The kindness, care and sheer joy 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.