Strictly Champions Announced in Glitzy Live Finale
This piece covers the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.
Former Lioness Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly champion, becoming the first footballer to lift the glitterball trophy.
She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's live final.
Carney, who was paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, said: "It's unbelievable, it's been the biggest honour," before saying she was "speechless".
It was an emotional night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those paying tribute to the veteran hosts.
In a message presented by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, compassion and pure joy" 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 show dance.
The judges gave guidance scores but the viewing audience made the ultimate choice.
Carney and Gu executed 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 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 competition from the other remaining couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to take to the stage.
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 revisited 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they topped the public vote.
"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 confident and never give up."
Other memorable moments on the night included the majority of the cast of 2025 coming back for one more performance.
Yet, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was rigged.
A representative denied the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure total accuracy".
The group Five also performed a string of their hits during the grand final.
The Hosts' Last Show
Earlier this year, 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 joined in 2014, having hosted Strictly's companion program It Takes Two since 2004.
This was their final time hosting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion as they said their goodbyes.
During the live broadcast, as well as the tribute 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: "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 experienced in undertaking a joint challenge.
"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.
"The kindness, compassion and pure 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 is broadcast on 25 December.
