Strictly Winners Announced in Glitzy Grand Final
This piece covers the outcome of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing culminating event.
Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly winner, emerging as the first footballer to win the coveted trophy.
She beat reality TV star Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.
Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the biggest privilege," before adding she was "lost for words".
It was an emotional night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.
In a note presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy 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 brilliant".
Following tradition, 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 show dance.
The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the final decision.
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, garnering them a rapturous reception - and their second perfect score of the night.
But the winning pair faced strong rivalry from the other remaining couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to take to the stage.
The pair performed routines 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 performed again their dramatic dance to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle.
They also did their freestyle routine to 'Human' by The Killers, and a Viennese Waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.
But after weeks of ballroom dances, 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," commenting: "To the young people watching at home, aim high and be proud and never give up."
Other memorable moments on the night included the majority of the contestants of 2025 returning for one more routine.
Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him leave the show was rigged.
A representative rejected the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure complete accuracy".
The group Five also performed a selection of their popular songs during the finale.
The Hosts' Final Show
Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise revelation that they would be stepping down at the end of this year's season.
Daly has presented since the first 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 hosting a Strictly final, and both were full of emotion as they signed off.
During the televised event, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were recorded notes from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the production team and fans 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 bonds forged, the challenges 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 warmth, 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 show will be the holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.
