Strictly Come Dancing final live: Karen Carney, Amber Davies and George Clarke compete for glitterball trophy
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are presenting their final show as the remaining three couples battle it out for the Glitterball Trophy
After three months of shimmering dance routines, plenty of injuries and many tears, the Strictly Come Dancing grand final is here.
The show’s legendary hosting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are delivering their final live show before stepping down, while celebrities Karen Carney, Amber Davies and George Clarke compete for the Glitterball trophy.
Each couple is dancing three times, including a Showdance, as well as revisiting their favourite routine from the series and a judges’ pick.
The audience’s votes alone decide which couple walk away as champions, as the judges’ scores are purely for guidance.
The 2025 celebrity cast - including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Chris Robshaw and Vicky Pattison - are also reuniting for a group routine.
But one contestant is 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.
Presenters Daly and Winkleman announced in autumn that they were leaving the programme because it “feels like the right time”. Their last episode will be the pre-recorded Christmas special.
Follow along with our live updates, below...
George's showdance leaves judge in tears
Shirley’s on her feet and in tears! And now Alexis is crying too.
Motsi: “We see the lifts and everything but at the end of the day, dancing is about a feeling. The opening was so beautiful, it was stunning. George, you were so in the dance. It was just you two on the dancefloor with such a beautiful feeling.”
Shirley: “Zero to hero, that’s what you’ve done. What a beautiful showcase of dancing. Simply terrific. Every single thing. This was a true sense of feeling. It was all of you, George, laid out bare for us to see.”
Anton: “This is what dancing is. This was celebratory, this was you two. This felt, to me, like a metaphor for your whole journey. This was so emotional. You’re the most exquisite partner, I love the way you dance.”
Craig: “I thought you had lovely changes of rhythms, you had power, you had presence. The lifts were fantastically achieved. It showed true emotion. Congratulations.”
George’s scores are in... 9 (boo!), 10, 10 and 10 - that’s 39.
It's time for George's showdance!
The social media star and Alexis are performing to "Human" by The Killers, and the routine has started with Alexis hanging from the ceiling?! Before dropping into George’s arms. This is sensational. Not to go all Anton but wow, wow, wow!
Amber praised for 'out of this world' showdance
Here are the judges’ comments...
Craig: “For me, it lacked some flow and transitioning. It felt like a series of tricks and I wanted to see you dance more in between them. The lifts were out of this world and you’re such a clean dancer. “
Motsi: “Wow, wow, wow, wow. I thought this was so special. You make it look so easy. You were sharp, you’re always shining, I absolutely enjoyed it.”
Shirley: “You’re quite the dynamic duo. What I appreciated was the changes of speed, your lifts were flawless. It was a beautiful performance, you can be proud of yourself.”
Anton: “There’s nothing lovelier than seeing something brand new, it’s so exciting. You make it look so easy. It was a magnificent showdance from a magnificent showgirl.”
The scores are in... 9, 10, 10 and 10 - another 39 for Amber!
Amber Davies performs triumphant showdance
It’s showdance time!
These always make me so nervous and I'm (obviously) not performing so I can’t imagine how the celebs feel.
Up first, it's Amber and Nikita, who are performing to Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s “Rain On Me”, which is a stellar choice.
This is a fab routine and there’s been an outfit reveal, as well as some ambitious lifts and fireworks. It’s truly got it all. Bravo!
Karen Carney lands the first 40 of the final
Here are the judges’ comments for Karen...
Motsi: “I am so proud of you right now. I can see that you’ve worked intensely on that. It was action-packed, it was stylish, it was gorgeous. Absolutely amazing.”
Shirley: “You get on this dancefloor and you are a deadly competitor, you put it all on the floor. That was one of my favourite numbers that I’ve ever seen.”
Anton: “Dark, moody, serious. I enjoyed this the first time but this was even better. More accomplished. You have so many wonderful details. Attention to detail makes a dance like this come alive. It was sensational.”
Craig: “The concept, I think, is absolutely incredible. You had attack through it as well as a loose leg. Your acting throughout was remarkable. You are a sensation.”
And Karen’s scores are... 10, 10, 10, 10 - it’s the first 40 of the final!
Karen Carney performs judges' pick
This is one of my fave routines of the whole series and I’m so happy we’re seeing it again.
The judges have asked Karen and Carlos to perform their Halloween Week Argentine Tango again.
The Peaky Blinders-themed performance won the pair 38 points first time around but I think they may well have just beat that!
'Impressive' George praised for 'ease' in the ballroom
Here are the judges’ comments for George...
Anton: “I am a great teacher! You were magnificent. I’m so pleased. That was so good. Shirley was holding onto my arm. I loved your fleckle. You were so impressive.”
Craig: “Anton, you would say that, wouldn’t you. It was a little skippy at the beginning, I thought, It moved around the floor a lot better. You’ve turned into quite the ballroom dancer.”
Motsi: “The most wonderful part of watching you dance is the ease with which you dance. You looked so natural moving towards the floor. Well done.”
Shirley: “Who would have thought, George? Here we are in the final! You looked totally comfortable in your own skin. I will put this in my head rent-free for a thousand years.”
George’s scores are in... 9, 10, 10 and 10 - which puts him tied with Amber on 39.
George waltzes into the final
The judges' pick for George and Alexis is their Viennese Waltz to "Somebody to Love" by Queen, which they previously gave a score of 34.
Their VT has shown they had a masterclass from Anton to help give the routine a boost (Amber was visited in the training room by Shirley).
This really is a lovely routine and feels like such a good fit for the final.
Amber sets the bar high with her paso doble
What a way to start!
Here are the judges’ comments for Amber...
Shirley: “That’s definitely the way to open the show. I’m particularly proud of you. It was subtle, it was in, it was on, it was beautiful.”
Anton: “Wow! Wow! If you’re opening the evening, that’s the way to do it. Very easy to comment on, it was all brilliant.”
Craig: “I have to totally agree. It had focus, it had all the necessary passion, you managed to get the shaping sorted. You are the most committed person I have ever met.”
Motsi: “I love the way you guys used the music to heighten [the routine] and show the passion. Beautiful shapes all over your body. You can be proud of yourself.”
Amber’s scores are... 9, 10, 10 and 10 - a total of 39!
Amber Davies opens the show
The first dances being performed by the finalists are the routines the judges have picked for them.
And up first, it’s Amber and Nikita with their Paso Doble to Aerosmith's "Dream On", which they scored an already impressive 38 in Week 8. Can they make it four 10s instead of two tonight?
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