This article reveals the outcome of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final.
Former Lioness Karen Carney has triumphed as the winner of this year’s Strictly Come Dancing, making history as the first footballer to claim the coveted glitterball trophy.
She emerged victorious over Love Islander Amber Davies and social media personality George Clarke, securing the public vote in Saturday’s live final broadcast on BBC One.
Carney, partnered with professional dancer Carlos Gu, expressed her disbelief, stating, “I can’t believe it, it’s been the biggest privilege and honour,” adding that she was “lost for words.”
The ballroom witnessed an emotional evening as Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosted their final show, with tributes pouring in, including one from Queen Camilla to the esteemed presenters.
In a message conveyed by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen lauded Daly and Winkleman’s “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness” as central to the show’s enduring success, adding, “I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous.”
Following tradition, the grand finale featured a dance selected by the judges, the couple’s personal favorite from the series, and a spectacular show dance.
While the judges provided advisory scores, the ultimate decision rested with the viewing public.
Carney and Gu showcased routines including a show dance set to Inner Smile by Texas, and a passionate Argentine Tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.
Their football-themed jive to One Way Or Another by Blondie garnered a standing ovation and their second perfect score of the night.
However, the winning duo faced formidable competition from their fellow finalists.
Amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, initiated the evening’s performances.
Their routines included a show dance to Rain On Me by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande, a Paso Doble to Dream On by Aerosmith, and an energetic jive to Proud Mary.
George Clarke and his partner Alexis Warr revisited their Paso Doble to Game of Survival by Ruelle.
They also presented their show dance to Human by The Killers, and a Viennese Waltz to Somebody to Love by Queen.
But after weeks of tangos, salsas, and foxtrots, the spotlight ultimately shone on Carney and Gu as they topped the public vote.
Additional highlights of the evening included a group performance featuring the majority of the 2025 cast.
Notably absent was social media personality Thomas Skinner, who earlier today alleged on social media that the BBC manipulated the vote that led to his elimination.
A BBC spokesperson refuted the claim, asserting that Strictly’s public vote is “independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”
The grand final also featured a performance by the boyband Five, who entertained the audience with a medley of their hit songs.
George Clarke will compete against Karen Carney and Amber Davies in the Strictly Come Dancing final.
The EastEnders actor says being on the dance show was a “healing experience”.
The firm says it has supplied the ballroom and Latin footwear for the show for more than 20 years.
Catherine Jones says Welsh star Amber Davies was a “born performer” even as a child at school.
The ex-Lionesses’s determination stems from her battle of wanting to play football with the boys.