Strictly Champions Announced in Glitzy Live Finale

This report details the conclusion of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing championship.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly winner, emerging as the first footballer to win the coveted trophy.

She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, remarked: "This is incredible, it's been the greatest privilege," before adding she was "lost for words".

It was an heartfelt night in the ballroom, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the last time - with Queen Camilla among those paying tribute to the veteran hosts.

In a message presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and pure 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 grand finale was chosen by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a freestyle routine.

The judges gave advisory scores but the public made the ultimate choice.

Carney and Gu performed 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, garnering them a rapturous reception - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the winning pair faced strong competition from the other remaining 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'.

In another performance, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr reprised their dramatic dance to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle.

They also did their show dance to 'Human' by The Killers, and a classical waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen.

But after weeks of tangos, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the public vote.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey, 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 highlights on the night included the majority of the contestants of 2025 returning for one more performance.

Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him leave the show was unfair.

A representative rejected the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure complete fairness".

The boyband Five also performed a string of their popular songs during the grand final.

Tess and Claudia's Last Final

In October, Daly and Winkleman made the shock revelation that they would be stepping down at the end of this year's series.

Daly has presented 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 hosting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they signed off.

During the televised event, as well as the message from the Queen, there were recorded notes from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the crew and devotees of the show.

The Queen's message read: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds created, the challenges overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a shared endeavour.

"If that is true, 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 centre of the show's success."

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