Strictly Come Dancing Winners Announced in Glitzy Grand Finale

This piece covers the result of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly winner, becoming the first footballer to lift the glitterball trophy.

She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the public vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, stated: "I can't believe it, it's been the biggest privilege," before adding she was "overwhelmed".

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

In a note presented by judge 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, stating: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

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 advisory 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 sports-inspired jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a rapturous reception - and their second perfect score 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 pair 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 jive 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 classical waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.

But after weeks of salsas and foxtrots, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the viewer poll.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "changed my life," commenting: "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 contestants of 2025 coming back for one more routine.

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

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

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

The Hosts' Last Final

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the shock announcement 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 sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

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

During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages 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 joy experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.

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

"The kindness, care and pure 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.