Strictly Come Dancing Winners Crowned in Spectacular Grand Final

This piece covers the conclusion of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 championship.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been declared 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 audience vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, said: "It's unbelievable, it's been the biggest honour," before adding she was "lost for words".

It was an poignant night in the studio, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the last time - with the Queen among those offering praise to the long-running hosts.

In a message read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness" 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 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 guidance scores but the viewing audience made the ultimate choice.

Carney and Gu performed dances including a show dance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an Argentine 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 pair faced strong rivalry from the other competing couples.

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

The couple delivered routines including a freestyle 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 reprised their dramatic dance to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle.

They also did their show dance 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.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our experience, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "changed my life," adding: "To the young people watching at home, aim high and be confident and never give up."

Other memorable moments on the night included most of the contestants of 2025 returning for one more routine.

However, 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 spokesperson rejected the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "independently overseen and checked to ensure complete fairness".

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

The Hosts' Final Show

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise announcement that they would be leaving their roles at the end of this year's series.

Daly has hosted since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board in 2014, having fronted 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 live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were recorded notes from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the crew and fans of the show.

The Queen's message said: "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 joy experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.

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

"The kindness, compassion and pure happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success."

Daly and Winkleman's final show will be the Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.