Strictly Champions Announced in Glitzy Grand Final

This article reveals the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 championship.

Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, emerging as the first professional soccer player to claim the glitterball trophy.

She defeated Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after winning the public vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest honour," before saying she was "lost for words".

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

In a note presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and sheer joy" had been at the core of the show's success, adding: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".

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

The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the ultimate choice.

Carney and Gu executed dances 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, earning them a rapturous reception - and their second full marks of the night.

But the victorious pair faced fierce competition from the other competing couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace the dance floor.

The couple delivered routines 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'.

In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again 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 salsas and foxtrots, 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 "changed my life," adding: "To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be confident and never give up."

Other memorable moments on the night included most of the contestants of 2025 returning for one more routine.

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

A representative denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure complete fairness".

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

The Hosts' Last Show

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise revelation that they would be leaving their roles 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 presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion as they said their goodbyes.

During the televised event, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the production team and devotees of the show.

The Queen's message read: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the challenges overcome and the happiness shared in undertaking a joint challenge.

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

"The kindness, care and sheer happiness you have projected with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success."

Daly and Winkleman's final show will be the Christmas special, which airs on 25 December.