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Karen Carney, former England Lioness, has made history by becoming the first footballer to win the glitterball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing 2025. In a dazzling live final aired on BBC One, Carney triumphed over fellow finalists Amber Davies, known for her appearance on Love Island, and social media influencer George Clarke by securing the most public votes. Her professional dance partner, Carlos Gu, was by her side throughout the competition, and together they delivered memorable performances that captivated the audience and judges alike.
During the emotional finale, Carney expressed her disbelief and gratitude, saying, “I can’t believe it, it’s been the biggest privilege and honour,” adding that she was “lost for words.” The evening was also poignant as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman presented their final Strictly final, marking the end of an era for the beloved presenting duo. Among those paying tribute was Queen Camilla, whose message highlighted the presenters’ warmth and happiness as central to the show’s enduring appeal. The Queen’s words, read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood, praised Daly and Winkleman for being “utterly fab-u-lous” throughout their time on the programme.
The structure of the grand finale involved each couple performing three dances: one selected by the judges, a personal favourite from the series, and a show dance. Throughout the night, advisory scores were given by judges, but the ultimate decision rested with the viewers at home. Carney and Gu showcased their skills with an Argentine Tango set to “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, a show dance to “Inner Smile” by Texas, and a football-themed jive to Blondie’s “One Way Or Another.” Their jive, which earned a standing ovation and their second perfect score, was a standout moment of the evening.
Challenges came from the other finalists as Amber Davies and partner Nikita Kuzmin opened the dancing with routines including a Paso Doble to Aerosmith’s “Dream On” and a lively jive to “Proud Mary.” Meanwhile, George Clarke and Alexis Warr revisited some of their favorite routines, such as their Paso Doble to Ruelle’s “Game of Survival,” alongside a show dance to The Killers’ “Human” and a Viennese Waltz to Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” Despite strong competition, Carney and Gu’s performances ultimately won the popular vote. Carney thanked everyone for their support, and Gu emotionally told viewers: “To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be proud and never give up.”
The night featured additional highlights including musical performances by the boyband Five, as well as a reunion routine from most of the 2025 cast. Notably absent was social media star Thomas Skinner, who earlier accused the BBC of rigging the vote that led to his exit. The BBC firmly denied these claims, affirming that the voting process was “independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”
This final also marked a significant moment in Strictly’s history with the departure of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Daly has been a presence on the show since its inception 21 years ago, while Winkleman joined as a main presenter in 2014 after hosting the companion show *It Takes Two* since 2004. Their farewell was emotional, with heartfelt tributes from Queen Camilla, TV cook Mary Berry, crew members, and fans, emphasizing the special partnership they shared. The Queen’s message celebrated the deep friendships and joy behind the show’s success, calling their partnership “perhaps the greatest Strictly partnership of all.” Daly and Winkleman will make their final appearance on the Christmas special airing on 25 December, closing their chapter on this iconic series
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