Strictly Come Dancing Winners Crowned in Spectacular Grand Finale

This report details the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.

Ex- Lioness Karen Carney has been declared this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, becoming the first footballer to win the coveted trophy.

She beat Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the public vote in Saturday's grand finale.

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

It was an poignant night in the studio, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly fronted the final for the final occasion - with the Queen among those offering praise to the veteran hosts.

In a message presented by panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, empathy and pure happiness" had been at the heart of the show's success, stating: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

As usual, 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 final decision.

Carney and Gu executed dances including a show dance 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 standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.

But the victorious pair faced strong rivalry from the other competing couples.

Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to take to the stage.

The pair performed routines including a freestyle to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Paso Doble to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, and a upbeat dance to 'Proud Mary'.

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

They also did their freestyle routine 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 topped the public vote.

"My sincere thanks go to everybody that has supported 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 contestants of 2025 coming back for one more routine.

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

A spokesperson rejected the claim, saying the show's public vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure complete fairness".

The group 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 leaving their roles at the end of this year's series.

Daly has hosted since the first series 21 years ago. Winkleman came on board in 2014, having fronted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

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

During the televised event, as well as the tribute from the Queen, there were recorded notes from celebrity chef Mary Berry, members of the production team 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 forged, the challenges overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

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

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

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