Strictly Winners Crowned in Spectacular Live Final

This article reveals the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.

Former Lioness Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly winner, emerging as the first footballer to win the glitterball trophy.

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

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "lost for words".

It was an emotional 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 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".

Following tradition, one of the dances in the grand finale was selected by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a show dance.

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

Carney and Gu executed routines 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 sports-inspired 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 stiff competition from the other remaining couples.

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

The couple performed dances 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 jive to 'Proud Mary'.

In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again their Paso Doble 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the viewer poll.

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

Gu told her she had "been transformative," adding: "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 performance.

Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had alleged earlier that the elimination process that saw him leave the show was unfair.

A representative rejected the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure total accuracy".

The group Five also performed a selection of their popular songs during the finale.

Tess and Claudia's 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 hosted since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board in 2014, having fronted Strictly's companion program It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their final 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 fans 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 relationships: the bonds created, the struggles conquered and the happiness shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly partnership of all.

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

Daly and Winkleman's last ever appearance will be the holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.