Strictly Come Dancing Winners Announced in Spectacular Grand Final

This article reveals the outcome of the 2025 Strictly Come Dancing final.

Former England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly winner, becoming the first professional soccer player to lift the coveted trophy.

She beat reality TV star Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke after securing the audience vote in Saturday's grand finale.

Carney, who was dancing with pro partner Carlos Gu, stated: "I can't believe it, it's been the biggest privilege," before adding she was "speechless".

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

In a note presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy and sheer happiness" had been at the heart of the show's popularity, adding: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

Following tradition, one of the dances in the grand finale was selected by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a show dance.

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 football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, garnering them a standing ovation - and their second perfect score of the night.

But the victorious pair faced fierce 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 Spanish-inspired dance to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a jive to 'Proud Mary'.

Meanwhile, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr revisited their dramatic dance 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 won the viewer poll.

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

Gu told her she had "been transformative," adding: "To the girls and boys watching at home, aim high and be confident and never give up."

Other highlights on the night included the majority of the contestants of 2025 coming back for one more routine.

Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had alleged earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was rigged.

A spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure complete accuracy".

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

Tess and Claudia's Last Final

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the surprise 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 hosted Strictly's companion program It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their final time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with feeling as they said their goodbyes.

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 fans of the show.

The Queen's message said: "It has often seemed to me that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds created, the struggles conquered and the happiness shared in undertaking a shared challenge.

"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.

"The kindness, compassion and pure joy you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's appeal."

Daly and Winkleman's last ever show will be the holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.