Karen Carney crowned Strictly 2025 winner in glittering live final

Karen Carney, the former England and Lionesses midfielder, has been crowned the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winner in a glittering live final on BBC One, becoming the first footballer to lift the Glitterball trophy. Carney, paired with professional dancer Carlos Gu, won the public vote in Saturday's finale over Amber Davies and George Clarke, according to BBC coverage. She said: "I can't believe it, it's been the biggest privilege and honour," before adding she was "lost for words."

It was an emotional night in the ballroom as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman presented the final for the last time, with Queen Camilla among those paying tribute to the long-running presenters. The Queen’s message, read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood, praised Daly and Winkleman for their warmth, compassion and happiness, saying: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous." The show also marked the presenters’ final appearance in the role, with Daly and Winkleman poised to bow out after a two-decade tenure that began with Daly’s hosting in the show’s early years and Winkleman’s arrival in 2014.

Carney and Gu’s night featured a mix of the series’ signature dances, including a football-themed jive to One Way Or Another by Blondie that earned them a standing ovation and a second perfect score of the night. They also delivered a show dance to Inner Smile by Texas and an Argentine Tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, showcasing a range that ranged from precision footwork to dramatic expression. Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin opened the floor in the final, performing 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. George Clarke and Alexis Warr, meanwhile, reprised their Paso Doble to Game of Survival by Ruelle, followed by a show dance to Human by The Killers and a Viennese Waltz to Somebody to Love by Queen.

After weeks of tangos, salsas and foxtrots, it was Carney and Gu who topped the public vote. Carney later reflected on the journey, telling viewers: "I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey, and supported us." Gu added that Carney had "changed my life," and urged viewers to keep dreaming and be proud.

In the weeks leading into the finale, social media buzz and fan speculation had swirled around a number of moments, but the results were determined by the public vote, as is traditional for the ballroom competition. One notable online thread centered on Thomas Skinner, who claimed on social media that the BBC rigged the vote that saw him leave the show; a BBC spokesperson rejected the allegation, saying Strictly’s public vote was "independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy."

The finale also featured performances from the boyband Five, who delivered a medley of their hits, and a reprise by many of the 2025 cast members as they came back for one more routine. It was a night steeped in nostalgia and celebration for a show that has long been a staple of British screens.

The victory crowned Carney as the first footballer to win the Glitterball trophy, a historic moment that underscored the show’s appeal across sports, reality television and dance fans alike. Carney and Gu’s victory marked a high note at a ceremony that also served as a farewell to Daly and Winkleman in their current roles as the program’s longest-serving hosts. Daly, who has fronted the show since its inception in the early 2000s, and Winkleman, who joined the presenting team in 2014 after It Takes Two, received messages of appreciation from the cast, crew and viewers.

The Queen’s message during the live broadcast spoke to the broader spirit of Strictly: partnerships built on trust, perseverance and joy. It also highlighted the deep connection the hosts had fostered with audiences over the years, a sentiment echoed by many who have followed the show closely. Daly and Winkleman’s final final appearance is set to be the Christmas special, which airs on 25 December, offering a final chance for viewers to celebrate their tenure before the next chapter begins.

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As the dust settled on the 2025 edition, the program looked ahead to its next phase, with new hosts, new contestants and a renewed sense of anticipation for fans who have long admired the show’s blend of sport, music and dance. The Christmas special remains a focal point for the franchise, promising a festive finale that will cap a landmark year for Strictly Come Dancing.

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Amber Davies and Kuzmin’s performances underscored the show’s continued appeal, even as Carney and Gu’s victory drew the season to a close. Davies, a Love Island entrant, and Clarke’s performances also showcased the diversity of contestants who have graced the ballroom this year, from reality TV personalities to social media creators. Clarke’s pair, Warr, delivered a Paso Doble and a show dance that demonstrated their capability for bold, high-energy performances.

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The night’s most poignant moment came with the Queen’s message, read aloud during the broadcast, honoring the hosts’ impact on the show’s enduring popularity. The tribute emphasized the emotional resonance of a program that has become a cultural touchstone for many viewers, tying together generations of fans who have watched the competition evolve over two decades. The message also served as a reminder of the show’s broader cultural footprint, spanning music, dance and television in the UK.

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