Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Spectacular Grand Finale

This article reveals the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 culminating event.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly winner, emerging as the first professional soccer player to claim the glitterball trophy.

She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the public vote in Saturday's live final.

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

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

In a message presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, compassion and sheer joy" had been at the core of the show's success, adding: "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 series, and the other was a freestyle routine.

The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the final decision.

Carney and Gu performed 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 football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.

But the victorious pair faced stiff rivalry from the other competing couples.

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

Meanwhile, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr reprised 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 tangos, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the viewer poll.

"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported our experience, and supported us," said Carney.

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

Other highlights on the night included most of the cast of 2025 returning for one more performance.

Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was unfair.

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

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

Tess and Claudia's Final Final

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the shock revelation that they would be stepping down 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 last time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they said their goodbyes.

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 fans of the show.

The Queen's message said: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the connections forged, the struggles conquered and the joy experienced in undertaking a shared endeavour.

"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly pairing of all.

"The warmth, care and pure joy you have projected with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's appeal."

Daly and Winkleman's last ever appearance will be the Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.