Strictly Come Dancing final live: Karen Carney wins the Glitterball as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bow out
The former England player beat Amber Davies and George Clarke in the grand final
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, who beat ex-Love Islander Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke to win the competition.
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 did 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.
A glimpse into the backstage antics today...
Tonight’s finalists have shared a chaotic video of them scooting down the Elstree Studio hallways on a wheelie chair as they prepare for the show.
Looks like they’re warming up properly!
Strictly Come Dancing finalists: Who knows their partner better?
Strictly finalists have been put to the test to see who knows their dance partner better ahead of tonight’s show.
Watch them battle it out below:
Strictly Come Dancing finalists: Who knows their partner better?
Everything you need to know about tonight's final...
• The final will kick off on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 7pm.
• The show will begin with a group routine from the professional dancers and this year’s finalists, before they each perform three times.
• Each couple will perform their favourite routine from the series, a judges’ pick and their Showdance.
• Members of the Strictly class of 2025 will return to the dance floor one last time for a group number.
• Votes alone will decide who walks away with the Glitterball, as the judges' scores are just for guidance.
• One final thing: keeeep dancing!
Songs and dances for tonight's final revealed
Here are the songs and dances that our Strictly finalists will perform tonight.
Amber and Nikita
• Showdance – “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande
• Judges' Pick – Paso Doble to “Dream On” by Aerosmith (from week eight)
• Favourite Dance – Jive to “Proud Mary” (from week 10)
George and Alexis
• Showdance – “Human” by The Killers
• Judges' Pick – Viennese Waltz to “Somebody to Love” by Queen (from week seven)
• Favourite Dance – Paso Doble to “Game of Survival” by Ruelle (from week two)
Karen and Carlos
• Showdance – “Inner Smile” by Texas
• Judges' Pick – Argentine Tango to “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds (from week six)
• Favourite Dance – Jive to “One Way Or Another” by Blondie (from week one)
Strictly expected to surprise hosts Tess and Claudia with big send-off
An emotional tribute to the departing duo is expected to be lined up for tonight’s grand final.
This will likely include messages from a long line of celebrities and VIP fans who are linked to the show.
Shirley Ballas says she was unfairly blamed for Lewis Cope elimination
Shirley Ballas has claimed she received the brunt of the blame for Lewis Cope’s elimination from Strictly.
Former Emmerdale star Cope was sent home from the BBC series in the quarter-finals despite being a favourite to win the show.
Ballas, who has been a judge on the BBC series since 2017, said she was “called every name in the book” after the shock, having told him his performance hadn’t been his best.
Strictly judge shares unfair consequence of Lewis Cope elimination
George Clarke shares message ahead of final
The YouTube star, who has more than 600,000 subscribers on the platform, told his fans today that “regardless of the outcome, it’s been an incredible experience”.
He added: “And just like that, there’s one more show to go.”
His partner Alexis Warr, who joined the competition as a new pro dancer this year, said: “Finale day... So grateful, so full, so many emotions. Be sure to tune in and vote. Let’s take this floor one last time together.”
Amber Davies says Strictly has been the 'greatest experience' of her life
In a message wishing luck to her fellow finalists, Davies reflected on her Strictly journey, saying that it’s been the “greatest experience” of her life.
She also thanked her “rock solid” support system for being there for her.
“I feel so grateful to be in this position,” she said. “It’s wild to me that we made it this far.”
Tess and Claudia's best bits...
Prepare the tissues – here’s a look back on Tess and Claudia’s time presenting the programme.
Craig Revel Horwood calls them a “power couple” while Shirley Ballas says they’re “pure magic”.
Anton Du Beke says: “After all of these years, neither of them have learnt a step of dancing.”
Amy Dowden says she's grateful to be working six weeks after mastectomy
Amy Dowden will appear in the final tonight, just six weeks after she underwent a mastectomy.
The pro dancer, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2023, confirmed last month that she would be undergoing the procedure following discussions with her medical team.
She posted a smiley lift selfie on Instagram, writing: “Strictly finals today! It’s going to be incredible and so grateful to be back dancing six weeks after a mastectomy! Can’t wait!”
Dowden wrote in a separate post: “Wishing the fabulous finalists the most amazing memorable day! It’s going to be emotional.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
Bookmark popover
Removed from bookmarks