Strictly Winners Announced in Glitzy Live Finale

This article reveals the result of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing championship.

Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion, becoming the first footballer to win the coveted 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, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest privilege," before adding she was "speechless".

It was an poignant night in the ballroom, as presenters 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 note presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness" had been at the heart of the show's success, stating: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous".

Following tradition, one of the dances in the grand finale was selected 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 public made the final decision.

Carney and Gu performed dances including a show dance 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, earning them a rapturous reception - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the winning duo faced stiff rivalry from the other remaining couples.

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

The pair performed dances 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'.

In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again 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 won the viewer poll.

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

Gu told her she had "changed my life," commenting: "To the girls and boys watching at home, aim high and be proud and never give up."

Other memorable moments on the night included most of the cast 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 exit the show was rigged.

A spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure complete fairness".

The boyband Five also performed a string of their hits during the finale.

Tess and Claudia's Last Show

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

Daly has presented since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board 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 overcome with emotion as they signed off.

During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages from celebrity chef 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 connections created, the struggles conquered and the happiness experienced in undertaking a shared endeavour.

"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly pairing of all.

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

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