Strictly Champions Crowned in Spectacular Live Final

This article reveals the result of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing culminating event.

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

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

Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "This is incredible, it's been the biggest honour," before adding she was "speechless".

It was an poignant night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with the Queen among those paying tribute to the long-running hosts.

In a note read out by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and sheer happiness" had been at the heart of the show's success, adding: "On behalf of all viewers 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 preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a show dance.

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

Carney and Gu executed routines including a freestyle 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, earning them a standing ovation - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the victorious pair faced fierce rivalry from the other remaining couples.

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

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 revisited 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 ballroom dances, 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 "been transformative," adding: "To the girls and boys 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 routine.

However, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. 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 "externally monitored and verified to ensure total fairness".

The boyband Five also performed a selection of their popular songs 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 series.

Daly has hosted since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined 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 said their goodbyes.

During the televised event, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the crew 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 relationships: the bonds forged, the challenges conquered and the happiness shared in undertaking a joint challenge.

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

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

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