Strictly Come Dancing Winners Announced in Glitzy Live Finale

This report details the conclusion of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final.

Former Lioness Karen Carney has been crowned 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 public vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "This is incredible, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "overwhelmed".

It was an heartfelt night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.

In a message presented by judge 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, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

Following tradition, 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 public made the ultimate choice.

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 strong rivalry from the other competing couples.

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

The pair performed 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 show dance to 'Human' by The Killers, and a Viennese Waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.

But after weeks of tangos, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the public vote.

"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 memorable moments on the night included most of the contestants of 2025 coming back for one more performance.

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

A spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure complete accuracy".

The group Five also performed a selection of their hits during the finale.

Tess and Claudia's Last Final

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

Daly has hosted since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board 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 full of emotion as they said their goodbyes.

During the televised event, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages 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 connections created, the challenges overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a shared challenge.

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

"The warmth, compassion and pure happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's appeal."

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