Strictly Champions Announced in Spectacular Grand Finale
This piece covers the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.
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 viewers' vote in Saturday's live final.
Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, stated: "I can't believe it, it's been the greatest privilege," before adding she was "lost for words".
It was an heartfelt night in the studio, as presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.
In a note read out 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 popularity, adding: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly brilliant".
Following tradition, one of the dances in the final show was selected 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 ultimate choice.
Carney and Gu executed routines 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 sports-inspired jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, earning them a standing ovation - and their second perfect score of the night.
But the winning pair faced strong rivalry 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 show dance to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Spanish-inspired dance to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a jive 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the viewer poll.
"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey, and supported us," said Carney.
Gu told her she had "been transformative," 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 contestants of 2025 coming back for one more routine.
Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had alleged earlier that the vote that saw him leave the show was unfair.
A spokesperson rejected the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure total accuracy".
The boyband Five also performed a selection of their popular songs 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 series.
Daly has presented since the inaugural series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having hosted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.
This was their final time hosting a Strictly final, and both were full of emotion as they said their goodbyes.
During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were messages 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 created, the challenges conquered and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly partnership of all.
"The kindness, compassion and pure joy you have projected with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success."
Daly and Winkleman's final appearance will be the holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.