Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Glitzy Grand Final

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

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly winner, becoming the first footballer to win the coveted trophy.

She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the public vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was paired with pro partner Carlos Gu, stated: "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 final occasion - with the Queen among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.

In a note read out by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and sheer joy" had been at the heart of the show's popularity, 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 chosen 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 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 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 victorious pair faced strong competition from the other remaining couples.

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

The couple 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 upbeat dance 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 freestyle routine to 'Human' by The Killers, and a Viennese Waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.

But after weeks of tangos, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the public vote.

"I just want to say thank you 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, aim high and be confident and never give up."

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

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

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

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

The Hosts' Last Show

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

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

This was their final time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they signed off.

During the televised event, as well as the message from the Queen, there were recorded notes from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the crew 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 struggles conquered and the joy shared in undertaking a joint challenge.

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

"The kindness, compassion and pure happiness you have projected 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 is broadcast on 25 December.