Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Glitzy Grand Finale
This article reveals the result of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final.
Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to claim the coveted trophy.
She defeated Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.
Carney, who was paired with pro partner Carlos Gu, remarked: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest honour," before adding she was "lost for words".
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 paying tribute to the long-running hosts.
In a note presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and sheer happiness" had been at the core 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 selected by the judges, one was their own favourite dance from the competition, and the other was a freestyle routine.
The judges gave guidance scores but the public made the ultimate choice.
Carney and Gu executed 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, garnering them a standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.
But the winning pair faced strong rivalry from the other competing couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace the dance floor.
The pair delivered dances including a freestyle 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 revisited their Paso Doble 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 topped 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, aim high and be confident and never give up."
Other highlights on the night included most of the cast of 2025 returning for one more routine.
However, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had alleged earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was rigged.
A spokesperson denied the claim, saying the show's audience vote was "independently overseen and checked to ensure total fairness".
The boyband Five also performed a string of their hits during the grand final.
Tess and Claudia's Final Show
In October, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise revelation that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's season.
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 presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they signed off.
During the live broadcast, as well as the message from the Queen, there were recorded notes from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the crew and devotees of the show.
The Queen's message read: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the bonds created, the challenges conquered and the joy experienced in undertaking a shared challenge.
"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly partnership of all.
"The kindness, care and pure happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success."
Daly and Winkleman's last ever show will be the Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.