Strictly Champions Crowned in Spectacular Live Finale
This article reveals the conclusion of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 championship.
Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to lift the coveted trophy.
She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.
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 heartfelt night in the studio, as hosts 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 message read out by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and pure happiness" had been at the heart of the show's success, stating: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".
As usual, one of the dances in the final show was selected 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 public made the final decision.
Carney and Gu performed dances 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, earning them a rapturous reception - and their second perfect score of the night.
But the victorious duo faced stiff rivalry from the other remaining couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace the dance floor.
The pair delivered dances including a show dance to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Paso Doble 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 freestyle routine 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 viewer poll.
"My sincere thanks go 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, aim high and be proud and never give up."
Other highlights on the night included the majority of the cast of 2025 coming back for one more performance.
Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him leave the show was rigged.
A spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure complete fairness".
The group Five also performed a string of their popular songs during the finale.
Tess and Claudia's Last Final
Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the shock announcement that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's season.
Daly has hosted since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having hosted 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 said their goodbyes.
During the live broadcast, as well as the message from the Queen, there were recorded notes from celebrity chef 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 relationships: the connections forged, the challenges overcome and the joy experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.
"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly partnership of all.
"The kindness, care and sheer joy you have radiated with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's appeal."
Daly and Winkleman's last ever show will be the holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.
