Strictly Come Dancing Winners Crowned in Glitzy Grand Final

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

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

She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.

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

It was an heartfelt night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the long-running 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 core of the show's popularity, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly brilliant".

As usual, one of the dances in the grand finale was chosen by the judges, one was their own favourite dance from the competition, and the other was a freestyle routine.

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

Carney and Gu performed dances 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, earning them a rapturous reception - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the winning duo faced fierce competition from the other competing couples.

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

The pair 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 jive 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 won the public vote.

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

Gu told her she had "changed my life," adding: "To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be confident and never give up."

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

However, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was unfair.

A representative denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure total accuracy".

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

Tess and Claudia's Last Final

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the shock announcement that they would be stepping down at the end of this year's season.

Daly has presented since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having fronted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their last time hosting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion as they signed off.

During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute 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 said: "I have often thought 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 shared endeavour.

"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly partnership of all.

"The warmth, 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.