Karen Carney has claimed victory on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 in a finale marked by emotion, tears, and heartfelt tributes as long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bid farewell to the show. Each finalist performed three routines: the judges’ choice, a show dance, and their favourite dance before the winner was announced. When Tess and Claudia declared Karen the champion, the 38-year-old footballer appeared speechless, embracing her professional partner, Carlos Gu, as the crowd applauded.
“I cannot believe it. I just want to thank everyone who has supported us on this journey, and thank you to this wonderful gentleman,” Karen said, holding back emotion. “We are a team, and I could not have done this without you. Honestly, I’m lost for words — it has been the biggest privilege and honour.” Karen later posted on Instagram, holding the glitterball trophy, expressing gratitude to fans for their votes, messages, and encouragement throughout the competition.
The emotional finale also featured a touching moment for Tess and Claudia, who announced earlier this year that they would be stepping down after 21 years on the series. During the broadcast, the duo received a special tribute video highlighting this year’s series, culminating in a letter from Her Majesty Queen Camilla. The note read: “Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I want to thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week. I have always believed Strictly is more about friendships, bonds, struggles, and shared joy than just dancing. Perhaps yours has been the greatest partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and happiness you have shared has been at the heart of the show’s success. With my warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.” The heartfelt words left both presenters visibly moved, tears streaming down their faces.
Tess and Claudia opened the live finale with a dramatic entrance, setting the tone for a highly emotional night. Claudia wore her signature black jacket and white blouse with “keep dancing” stitched on the back — a nod to her and Tess’ famous motto — while Tess dazzled in a rose-gold sequined dress with a daring thigh-high slit. They thanked the cast and choreographer Jason Gilkison for an unforgettable opening, reflecting on a season that began in September with fifteen celebrities and culminated in three finalists: Amber Davies, George Clarke, and Karen Carney.
Amber and her professional partner Nikita opened the performances with a Paso Doble to “Dream On” by Aerosmith, scoring 39 out of 40 after Craig Revel Horwood’s nine prevented a perfect score. George Clarke and Alexis performed a Viennese Waltz to Queen’s “Somebody to Love,” receiving 39 out of 40 as Craig again held back his perfect 10, despite Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke awarding tens. Karen and Carlos then took the floor for their judges’ choice, a Tango to “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, inspired by Peaky Blinders. Their performance earned the first perfect score of the night, thrilling fans and reflecting Karen’s passion for the show.
Following the judges’ scores, the finale intensified as Amber and Nikita returned for their show dance, performing a high-energy routine to “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. The judges awarded them 39 out of 40, with Craig Revel Horwood noting minor issues that stopped a perfect score. George Clarke and Alexis then danced to “Human” by The Killers, earning 39 out of 40, with Shirley Ballas remarking that George had gone “from zero to hero” over the course of the series. Despite earning the first perfect score of the night with their Tango, Karen and Carlos were temporarily placed at the bottom of the leaderboard after their show dance, scoring 38 out of 40, as Craig commented that parts of the performance felt “lacklustre” before awarding an eight.
The tension remained high as Amber performed her final dance, the Favourite Dance, a Jive to “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner, scoring a flawless 40 points. George and Alexis wowed the audience with a Paso Doble to “Game of Survival” by Ruelle, while Karen and Carlos concluded the night with a Jive to Blondie’s “One Way or Another.” Their performance paid tribute to Karen’s sporting background, featuring sequined football kit-inspired costumes. In an emotional backstage moment, Carlos broke down in tears, telling Claudia Winkleman that he had not been a team player before meeting Karen, blaming that for being left without a partner the previous year. He paid tribute to Karen for changing him, wiping away his tears as he acknowledged her impact on his life. Their final dance earned a perfect 40 points, leaving both overjoyed and celebrating the culmination of their season.
For Tess Daly, the finale marked the end of a remarkable 21-year tenure on Strictly Come Dancing. She has fronted the show for 21 years and 216 days, recently earning a Guinness World Record as the longest-serving host of the same dance competition. Tess debuted alongside the late Bruce Forsyth in 2004, who remained her co-host until retiring in 2013, after which Claudia Winkleman took over. The pair’s final show was a mix of celebration, reflection, and emotional goodbyes, underscored by the touching tribute from Queen Camilla, heartfelt fan support, and the dedication of the Strictly crew. The finale combined perfect performances, unforgettable moments, and the bittersweet farewell of two television icons, leaving an indelible mark on the series and British television.
