Strictly Come Dancing Champions Announced in Glitzy Grand Finale

This piece covers the conclusion of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing culminating event.

Ex- Lioness Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first professional soccer player to win the glitterball trophy.

She beat Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after winning the audience vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, remarked: "It's unbelievable, it's been the biggest honour," before adding she was "lost for words".

It was an heartfelt night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those paying tribute to the veteran hosts.

In a note presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and pure joy" had been at the core of the show's success, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

As usual, one of the dances in the grand finale was chosen by the judges, one was their own favourite dance from the competition, and the other was a freestyle routine.

The judges gave advisory scores but the public made the final decision.

Carney and Gu executed 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 football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, earning them a standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.

But the winning duo faced strong rivalry from the other remaining couples.

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

The pair performed 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 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 freestyle routine 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 viewer poll.

"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported our journey, 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 cast of 2025 returning for one more performance.

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 representative denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure total fairness".

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

The Hosts' Final Final

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the shock 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 hosted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

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

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 devotees of the show.

The Queen's message said: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds created, the challenges conquered and the happiness shared in undertaking a shared endeavour.

"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly pairing of all.

"The warmth, compassion and sheer joy you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's appeal."

Daly and Winkleman's final appearance will be the holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.