Strictly Come Dancing Winners Announced in Glitzy Live Finale
This report details the conclusion of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing culminating event.
Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly winner, emerging as the first professional soccer player to claim the coveted trophy.
She beat Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the audience vote in Saturday's live final.
Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, remarked: "This is incredible, it's been the greatest privilege," before adding she was "lost for words".
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 paying tribute to the veteran hosts.
In a message presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness" had been at the heart of the show's popularity, adding: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".
Following tradition, one of the dances in the final show was selected by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a show dance.
The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the ultimate choice.
Carney and Gu performed dances including a show dance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an 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 first to take to the dance floor.
The pair performed 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'.
Meanwhile, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr reprised their dramatic dance to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle.
They also did their show dance 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 viewer poll.
"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 girls and boys 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 appear. He had alleged earlier that the elimination process that saw him leave the show was rigged.
A spokesperson denied the claim, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure total accuracy".
The group Five also performed a string of their popular songs during the finale.
The Hosts' Final Final
In October, Daly and Winkleman made the shock revelation that they would be stepping down at the end of this year's series.
Daly has presented since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined 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 overcome with emotion as they signed off.
During the televised event, as well as the message from the Queen, there were messages from TV cook 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 forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a shared challenge.
"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly pairing of all.
"The kindness, care and sheer joy you have radiated 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 holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.
