Strictly Winners Crowned in Glitzy Grand Finale

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

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to claim the coveted 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 professional dancer Carlos Gu, remarked: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest honour," before adding she was "overwhelmed".

It was an emotional night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the last time - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the long-running hosts.

In a message read out by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness" had been at the core of the show's success, adding: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

Following tradition, one of the dances in the grand finale was chosen by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the series, and the other was a freestyle routine.

The judges gave guidance scores but the public made the final decision.

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 standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.

But the winning pair faced fierce rivalry from the other competing couples.

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

The couple 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 upbeat dance to 'Proud Mary'.

In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again 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 public vote.

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

Gu told her she had "been transformative," adding: "To the young people watching at home, dream big and be confident and never give up."

Other highlights on the night included most of the cast of 2025 coming back for one more routine.

However, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had alleged earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was rigged.

A spokesperson denied the claim, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and checked to ensure total fairness".

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

Tess and Claudia's Final Show

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the shock revelation that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's series.

Daly has presented since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board in 2014, having fronted Strictly's companion program It Takes Two since 2004.

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

During the televised event, as well as the message from the Queen, there were recorded notes from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the crew and fans of the show.

The Queen's message said: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the connections created, the challenges conquered and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly pairing of all.

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

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