Karen Carney crowned Strictly Come Dancing winner as neighbour Chris McCausland cheers glitterball return

Karen Carney has been crowned the winner of the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, delivering a finale that drew cheers from fans and fellow competitors alike. The former England footballer, 38, and her professional partner Carlos Gu, 32, claimed the glitterball trophy after three dances apiece in Saturday’s grand final. The win caps a season that featured high scores, dramatic moments, and a closely watched race to the televised trophy.

The evening saw Carney and Gu triumph in a finale that highlighted the sport’s blend of athleticism and entertainment. Each finalist performed three routines—one judges’ choice, one show dance, and one personal favorite—before the winner was announced to a hall of applause. Carney embraced Gu as the result was read live to viewers, expressing gratitude for the journey and the support she received from fans.

Chris McCausland, a comedian who has been a neighbour of Carney, took to X to congratulate the pair. McCausland, 48, wrote that he was "delighted" to see the former footballer win with Carlos Gu, and jokingly noted that he was "glad the glitterball is staying local" since Carney lives just around the corner from him. McCausland has his own notable tie to the show, having won the gleaming trophy last year with partner Dianne Buswell. The post underscored a lighthearted, community-facing moment as the season concluded.

Before the winner was revealed, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman closed the program with reflections on the series and a retrospective look at highlights from this year’s edition. The finale included a special tribute segment that featured a message from Queen Camilla. Craig Revel Horwood read a letter on air from Her Majesty, praising the show’s spirit and congratulating Daly and Winkleman on their years at the helm. The Queen’s note described Strictly as more than a dancing competition—emphasizing friendship, perseverance, and shared joy—and urged the hosts to keep dancing as they move forward in their careers.

Tess Daly has fronted Strictly Come Dancing for 21 years and 216 days, earning a Guinness World Record for the longest-serving host of the same dance competition this week. The show first aired in 2004, with Daly presenting alongside the late Bruce Forsyth. Forsyth’s retirement in 2013 gave way to Daly continuing as co-host with Winkleman joining as co-presenter in 2014. The long-running format has become a cultural staple in the United Kingdom, blending celebrity performances with professional choreography and fan engagement across each season.

Carney later shared a message on her official Instagram account thanking fans and her supporters, while recognizing Carlos Gu as a vital partner in the competition’s success. She wrote, in part: "Hi everybody! We did it! We can't, I honestly, we can't believe it, but we just want to say thank you so, so much for all your support, all your votes, all your kind words, it means everything to me and Carlos. So thank you. Thank you so much."