Strictly Come Dancing Winners Crowned in Glitzy Live Finale

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

Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly champion, becoming the first professional soccer player to win the glitterball trophy.

She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, remarked: "It's unbelievable, it's been the biggest honour," before adding she was "overwhelmed".

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

In a note read out by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and sheer joy" had been at the heart of the show's popularity, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly brilliant".

As usual, one of the dances in the final show was selected by the judges, one was their own favourite dance from the series, and the other was a show dance.

The judges gave guidance scores but the viewing audience 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 sports-inspired jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, earning them a rapturous reception - and their second full marks of the night.

But the victorious duo faced stiff competition from the other competing couples.

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

The couple delivered dances including a freestyle 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'.

In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr revisited 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," commenting: "To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be confident and never give up."

Other highlights on the night included the majority of the cast of 2025 returning for one more routine.

Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had alleged earlier that the elimination process that saw him leave the show was unfair.

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

The boyband Five also performed a selection of their popular songs during the grand final.

The Hosts' Final Final

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

Daly has hosted since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having hosted 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 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 relationships: the connections created, the challenges overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

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

"The kindness, care and pure joy you have projected with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's appeal."

Daly and Winkleman's final appearance will be the Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.