Strictly Champions Crowned in Glitzy Live Finale

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

Former Lioness Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to win the coveted trophy.

She defeated Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the public vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, said: "This is incredible, it's been the biggest privilege," 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 Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the long-running hosts.

In a message presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and pure happiness" had been at the core of the show's success, stating: "On behalf of all viewers 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 favourite dance from the series, and the other was a freestyle routine.

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

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 sports-inspired jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a rapturous reception - and their second full marks of the night.

But the victorious duo faced fierce competition from the other competing couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to take to the stage.

The pair delivered routines including a show dance 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'.

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 classical waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.

But after weeks of salsas and foxtrots, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the public vote.

"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported our experience, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "changed my life," commenting: "To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be proud and never give up."

Other highlights on the night included most of the cast of 2025 returning for one more performance.

Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had alleged earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was rigged.

A representative denied the claim, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure total accuracy".

The boyband Five also performed a selection of their hits during the finale.

The Hosts' Last Show

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise announcement that they would be stepping down 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 full of feeling as they signed off.

During the televised event, as well as the message 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 read: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the challenges conquered and the happiness shared in undertaking a joint challenge.

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

"The warmth, 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 final appearance will be the holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.