Strictly Winners Crowned in Glitzy Grand Finale
This piece covers the conclusion of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing culminating event.
Former England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly champion, emerging as the first footballer to claim the coveted trophy.
She defeated Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.
Carney, who was paired with pro partner Carlos Gu, said: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest honour," before adding she was "speechless".
It was an poignant night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla 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 joy" had been at the core of the show's success, adding: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".
As usual, one of the dances in the grand finale was chosen 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 public made the final decision.
Carney and Gu performed routines 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 remaining couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to take to the dance floor.
The couple delivered routines including a show dance to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Paso Doble to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a upbeat dance to 'Proud Mary'.
Meanwhile, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again their Paso Doble 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 salsas and foxtrots, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the viewer poll.
"I just want to say thank you 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 memorable moments on the night included most of the contestants of 2025 returning for one more routine.
Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him leave the show was unfair.
A spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure total fairness".
The boyband Five also performed a string of their hits during the grand final.
Tess and Claudia's Last Final
In October, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise 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 sister show 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 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 friendships: the connections forged, the struggles 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, care and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the centre of the show's appeal."
Daly and Winkleman's last ever appearance will be the holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.
