Strictly Champions Announced in Glitzy Live Finale

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

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

She overcame Love Islander Amber Davies and online influencer George Clarke after winning the viewers' vote in Saturday's live final.

Carney, who was dancing with professional dancer Carlos Gu, said: "It's unbelievable, it's been the greatest privilege," before saying she was "overwhelmed".

It was an poignant night in the ballroom, as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted the final for the final occasion - with Queen Camilla among those paying tribute to the long-running hosts.

In a note read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen said Daly and Winkleman's "kindness, compassion and sheer happiness" had been at the heart of the show's popularity, stating: "On behalf of all viewers 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 favourite dance from the competition, and the other was a show dance.

The judges gave advisory scores but the viewing audience made the final decision.

Carney and Gu performed dances including a freestyle to 'Inner Smile' by Texas, and an 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 winning duo faced strong rivalry from the other remaining couples.

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

The pair performed routines including a freestyle 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'.

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

They also did their show dance 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 "changed my life," commenting: "To the young people watching at home, aim high and be proud and never give up."

Other memorable moments on the night included the majority of the cast of 2025 coming back for one more routine.

However, online figure Thomas Skinner did not attend. He had claimed earlier that the vote that saw him exit the show was rigged.

A spokesperson denied the allegation, saying the show's audience vote was "externally monitored and checked to ensure total fairness".

The group Five also performed a string of their popular songs during the grand final.

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 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 signed off.

During the live broadcast, as well as the message from the Queen, there were messages from TV cook Mary Berry, members of the production team 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 connections created, the challenges conquered and the happiness experienced in undertaking a shared challenge.

"Should that be the case, then perhaps yours has been the most significant Strictly partnership of all.

"The kindness, care 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 final appearance will be the holiday episode, which airs on 25 December.