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After three months of shimmering dance routines, plenty of injuries and many tears, Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has its winner.
The Glitterball trophy was lifted by former England player Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu on Saturday night. The pair beat ex-Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke to lift the trophy.
After their victory was announced, Carney said: “I cannot believe it. I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported our journey. It’s been the biggest privilege and honour. I’m lost for words, I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you for being so incredible, this whole journey,” Gu added. “You taught me so much. We challenged each other, we helped each other. Thank you for changing my life.”
Their win came after Gu delivered one of the final’s most unexpected emotional moments, breaking down in tears as he said he was “self-centred” before meeting Carney.
It was a particularly emotional episode as the final marked Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final time presenting the programme. The pair were given a suitably special send-off with Craig Revel Horwood reading a letter written to the hosts by the Queen.
The 2025 celebrity cast – including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Chris Robshaw and Vicky Pattison – also reunited for a group routine.
But one contestant was absent: controversial Apprentice star Thomas Skinner will not make an appearance after he alleged that the BBC rigged his voting figures on the show. Skinner has said he is seeking legal advice.
Follow along with our live updates, below…
Strictly plays funny prank on Claudia Winkleman as she exits show
Last night, the show’s pro dancers and judges played a funny prank on Claudia Winkleman during her final live show by dressing up as her doppelgangers, clad in black-fringed wigs and thick eyeliner.
Ellie Muir21 December 2025 10:00
Last year’s winner Chris McCausland ‘delighted’ that neighbour Karen Carney is keeping Glitterball trophy ‘local’
Chris McCausland, who won last year’s show with Dianne Buswell, has said he is “delighted” that his neighbour Karen Carney is keeping the Glitterball in the local area.
“What a legend Kaz is!” he wrote on X/Twitter. “We used to be next door neighbours and now she lives around the corner. Delighted she is keeping the glitter ball local! And well done to lovely Carlos as well!”
Ellie Muir21 December 2025 09:21
Tess Daly says Strictly’s ‘only agenda’ is joy
Reflecting on her final show, Tess Daly wrote on Instagram that Strictly “is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda.”
She continued: “I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been.”
Ellie Muir21 December 2025 09:07
What a moment…
Karen and Carlos lift the Glitterball trophy – a real triumph.
Ellie Muir21 December 2025 09:00
Check out Tess and Claudia’s best bits
Tis truly the end of an era! Prepare the tissues – here’s a look back on Tess and Claudia’s time presenting the programme.
Craig Revel Horwood called them a “power couple” while Shirley Ballas said they’re “pure magic”.
Anton Du Beke said: “After all of these years, neither of them have learnt a step of dancing.”
Ellie Harrison21 December 2025 07:00
Another look back at winner Karen Carney finishing with a perfect score
Here are the judges’ last comments for champion Karen, who closed the show with her week one jive to “One Way or Another”.
Motsi: “I’ve been trying to be so composed today and I gave it my best, but you got me with this one. This was amazing. You were incredible.”
Shirley: “Karen, I’d like to invite you to my world of competitors and you can teach them. She gave you a bit of a run for your money there, Carlos. You are the ultimate. You are fantastic.”
Anton: “Wow. To end as we began. What wonderful symmetry. I think that dance sums you up. The whole place got up. You involve everybody in what you do. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed watching you.”
He then turned his attention to outgoing presenter Daly, adding: “I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved Tess, spending 21 years with you.” Tess was tears, as were all of the judges!
Craig: “I’m here to ruin the mood, darling. I can think of a Lord Byron quote to sum you up, ‘Let joy be unconfined.’ That’s what you bring to the dancefloor.”
Turning to Tess again, he added: “We’re going to miss you like you won’t believe.”
Everyone in the Clauditorium was in floods of tears.
And Karen scored a perfect 40!
Ellie Harrison21 December 2025 06:00
Tess Daly says she will be ‘forever grateful’
“I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you,” an emotional Daly wrote on Instagram after the grand final.
“I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been.”
Ellie Harrison21 December 2025 03:55
Karen and Carlos lift the Glitterball trophy
The professional snap from the Beeb has dropped! Here are our Strictly 2025 champions:
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 23:15
Anton’s sweet words for George
Anton gave some of the loveliest comments this evening, and his words to George were particularly special…
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 22:45
Here’s our full story on tonight’s deserving winners…
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 22:15
