Strictly Champions Announced in Spectacular Grand Finale
This piece covers the result of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 championship.
Ex- Lioness Karen Carney has been named this year's Strictly Come Dancing winner, emerging as the first footballer to lift the coveted trophy.
She overcame reality TV star Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after securing the viewers' vote in Saturday's live final.
Carney, who was paired with pro partner Carlos Gu, stated: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest honour," before adding she was "overwhelmed".
It was an emotional night in the ballroom, 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 panelist Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "warmth, empathy 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 wonderful".
As usual, one of the dances in the final show was selected by the judges, one was their own preferred dance from the competition, and the other was a show dance.
The judges gave guidance scores but the public 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, earning them a standing ovation - and their second full marks of the night.
But the winning pair faced stiff rivalry from the other competing couples.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the initial to grace the dance floor.
The couple performed 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 upbeat dance 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 classical 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 viewer poll.
"I just want to say thank you to everybody that has backed our journey, and supported us," said Carney.
Gu told her she had "changed my life," adding: "To the girls and boys 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 returning for one more performance.
Yet, social media personality Thomas Skinner did not appear. He had alleged earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was unfair.
A representative rejected the claim, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and verified to ensure complete fairness".
The boyband Five also performed a string of their hits during the finale.
Tess and Claudia's 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 first series 21 years ago. Winkleman joined in 2014, having fronted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.
This was their final time hosting a Strictly final, and both were full of feeling as they signed off.
During the televised event, as well as the message from the Queen, there were messages from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the production team and devotees of the show.
The Queen's message said: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds created, the struggles 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, care 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 appearance will be the holiday episode, which is broadcast on 25 December.
