Strictly Come Dancing Champions Crowned in Glitzy Live Finale

This report details the outcome of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing championship.

Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion, emerging as the first professional soccer player to win the coveted trophy.

She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, remarked: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "overwhelmed".

It was an poignant night in the studio, as presenters 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 presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and sheer happiness" had been at the heart of the show's success, stating: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".

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

The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the ultimate choice.

Carney and Gu executed dances including a freestyle to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.

They also performed a football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a standing ovation - and their second perfect score of the night.

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

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace the dance floor.

The pair delivered routines 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 reprised 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 salsas and foxtrots, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the public vote.

"My sincere thanks go 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, aim high and be confident and never give up."

Other highlights on the night included most of the cast of 2025 coming back for one more routine.

Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. 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 audience vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure total fairness".

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

The Hosts' Final Final

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

This was their last time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they said their goodbyes.

During the live broadcast, 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: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the connections created, the challenges conquered and the happiness experienced in undertaking a shared challenge.

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

"The kindness, compassion and pure 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 Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.