Strictly Champions Announced in Spectacular Grand Final

This article reveals the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 culminating event.

Ex- England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned this year's Strictly champion, becoming the first professional soccer player to win the glitterball trophy.

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

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

It was an emotional night in the studio, as presenters 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 "warmth, empathy and sheer joy" had been at the core of the show's success, adding: "On behalf of all viewers when I say you have been utterly wonderful".

Following tradition, one of the dances in the final show was chosen by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a freestyle routine.

The judges gave guidance scores but the viewing audience made the ultimate choice.

Carney and Gu performed routines 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 football-themed jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie, earning them a standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.

But the victorious duo faced stiff rivalry from the other competing couples.

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

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

Meanwhile, George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr performed again their dramatic dance 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 ballroom dances, it was Carney and Gu's night as they won the viewer poll.

"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has backed our experience, and supported us," said Carney.

Gu told her she had "changed my life," commenting: "To the young people watching at home, aim high and be proud and never give up."

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

However, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had claimed earlier that the elimination process that saw him exit the show was unfair.

A representative rejected the allegation, saying the show's public vote was "independently overseen and checked to ensure complete accuracy".

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

Tess and Claudia's Final Final

Earlier this year, Daly and Winkleman made the shock announcement 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 hosted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

This was their last time presenting a Strictly final, and both were overcome with emotion as they signed off.

During the live broadcast, as well as the message from the Queen, there were messages from celebrity chef 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 struggles conquered and the happiness experienced in undertaking a joint endeavour.

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

"The kindness, care and sheer 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 holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.