Strictly Come Dancing Champions Announced 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 professional soccer player to claim the glitterball trophy.
She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after winning the public vote in Saturday's grand finale.
Carney, who was paired with pro partner Carlos Gu, stated: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest privilege," before adding she was "overwhelmed".
It was an poignant night in the studio, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the last time - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.
In a note read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, compassion 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 wonderful".
Following tradition, 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 public made the ultimate choice.
Carney and Gu performed routines including a show dance 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 winning pair faced fierce 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 show dance to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Paso Doble to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a jive to 'Proud Mary'.
Meanwhile, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again their dramatic dance 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the public vote.
"My sincere thanks go 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 cast of 2025 coming back for one more performance.
However, online figure Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was rigged.
A representative 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 finale.
The Hosts' Final Show
In October, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise announcement that they would be stepping down at the end of this year's series.
Daly has presented 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 final time hosting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they said their goodbyes.
During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages 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 bonds created, the struggles conquered and the happiness experienced in undertaking a shared challenge.
"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.
"The warmth, care and pure joy you have projected with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's appeal."
Daly and Winkleman's last ever appearance will be the Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.