Strictly Come Dancing Winners Announced in Glitzy Grand Finale

This piece covers the conclusion of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 culminating event.

Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to win the glitterball trophy.

She beat reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the audience vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was paired with pro partner Carlos Gu, stated: "This is incredible, it's been the biggest honour," before saying she was "lost for words".

It was an heartfelt night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla 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 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 wonderful".

Following tradition, 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 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 rapturous reception - and their second full marks of the night.

But the winning duo faced fierce rivalry from the other remaining couples.

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

The pair 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 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 classical 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.

"My sincere thanks go 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 proud and never give up."

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

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

A spokesperson rejected the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy".

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

Tess and Claudia's Final Show

Earlier this year, 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 inaugural 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 feeling as they said their goodbyes.

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: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds 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 partnership of all.

"The kindness, compassion and pure happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's success."

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