Strictly Come Dancing Winners Announced in Spectacular Grand Finale

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

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly champion, becoming the first footballer to claim the glitterball trophy.

She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the public vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, said: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "lost for words".

It was an poignant night in the studio, as presenters 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 "warmth, compassion and pure 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 brilliant".

As usual, 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 freestyle routine.

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

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 football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a standing ovation - 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 take to the dance floor.

The couple delivered dances including a freestyle 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 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.

"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, dream big and be proud and never give up."

Other memorable moments on the night included most of the cast of 2025 coming back for one more routine.

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

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

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

The Hosts' Last Final

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

Daly has presented since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having fronted 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 said their goodbyes.

During the live broadcast, 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 read: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about relationships: the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy experienced in undertaking a shared endeavour.

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

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

Daly and Winkleman's final show will be the holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.