Strictly Winners Announced in Glitzy Live Finale

This report details the conclusion of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing culminating event.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to claim the glitterball trophy.

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

Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, remarked: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest honour," before saying she was "speechless".

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

In a message presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and pure happiness" had been at the core of the show's popularity, adding: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

Following tradition, one of the dances in the grand finale was chosen by the judges, one was their own favourite dance from the series, and the other was a show dance.

The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the final decision.

Carney and Gu performed 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 football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a rapturous reception - and their second full marks of the night.

But the winning duo faced fierce rivalry from the other competing couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to take to 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 reprised their Paso Doble 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 salsas and foxtrots, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the public vote.

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

Gu told her she had "been transformative," 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 routine.

Yet, 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 claim, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and checked to ensure complete accuracy".

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

Tess and Claudia's Last Show

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the shock revelation 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 joined in 2014, having fronted Strictly's companion program It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their last time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion as they signed off.

During the live broadcast, as well as the message 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 relationships: the connections forged, the challenges conquered and the happiness shared in undertaking a joint challenge.

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

"The kindness, compassion and sheer 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 show will be the Christmas special, which is broadcast on 25 December.