Strictly Champions Announced in Spectacular Grand Finale
This article reveals the conclusion of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.
Former Lioness Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly champion, becoming the first professional soccer player to claim the coveted trophy.
She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the public vote in Saturday's live final.
Carney, who was paired with pro partner Carlos Gu, remarked: "This is incredible, it's been the biggest honour," before saying she was "overwhelmed".
It was an poignant night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with the Queen among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.
In a note presented by panelist 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, stating: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".
As usual, one of the dances in the grand finale was selected by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the series, and the other was a show dance.
The judges gave guidance scores but the public made the final decision.
Carney and Gu executed 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, garnering them a standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.
But the winning pair faced strong rivalry from the other competing couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace the dance floor.
The pair performed routines 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 jive 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the viewer poll.
"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported 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 proud and never give up."
Other memorable moments on the night included most of the cast of 2025 returning for one more routine.
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 selection of their hits during the grand final.
The Hosts' Final Final
Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise 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 last time presenting a Strictly final, and both were full of emotion as they signed off.
During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were recorded notes 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 connections created, the struggles overcome and the happiness 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, compassion and sheer 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 Christmas special, which airs on 25 December.
