Karen Carney Crowned Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Champion in Emotional Final
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former professional footballer karen Carney has captivated audiences and judges alike, culminating in her victory on Strictly come Dancing 2025. She secured the coveted glitterball trophy on Saturday, becoming the first athlete to win the competition, besting fellow finalists Amber Davies and George Clarke after the public vote.
The final, broadcast live on BBC One, was particularly poignant as it marked the last appearance of beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who have become synonymous with the show. Judge Craig Revel Horwood described Carney’s performances as filled with “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness,” declaring them “utterly fab-u-lous” and acknowledging the deep connections forged through the show.
The competition saw each of the three remaining couples perform three dances: one chosen by the judges, a personal favorite from the series, and a show dance. While the judges provided advisory scores, the ultimate decision rested with the viewing public. Carney and Gu delivered a memorable performance, including a show dance to “Inner Smile” by Texas and an Argentine tango set to “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Though, it was their football-themed jive to Blondie’s “One Way Or Another” that truly ignited the ballroom, earning them a standing ovation and a second perfect score of the night.
Fierce Competition and a Controversial Claim
amber Davies and her partner, Nikita Kuzmin, were the first to take to the dance floor, showcasing routines including a show dance to Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s “Rain On Me,” a Paso Doble to Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” and a jive to “Proud mary.” George Clarke and Alexis warr revisited 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 their strong performances, it was Carney and Gu who ultimately topped the public vote. “I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey, and supported us,” Carney said. Gu, visibly moved, told her she had “changed my life,” encouraging viewers to “dream big and be proud and never give up.”
The evening wasn’t without its controversy. Social media personality Thomas Skinner, who was previously eliminated from the competition, alleged on social media that the BBC rigged the vote that led to his departure. A BBC spokesperson swiftly rejected the claim, stating that Strictly’s public vote is “independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”
The End of an Era for Daly and Winkleman
The 2025 season also marked the end of an era for Daly and Winkleman. The pair announced in October their decision to step down after the series’ conclusion. Daly has been a constant presence on Strictly as its inception 21 years ago, while Winkleman joined in 2014, having previously hosted the show’s companion program, It Takes Two, since 2004.
Their final appearance was filled with emotion, as tributes poured in from TV cook Mary Berry, crew members, and devoted fans. The queen’s message underscored the show’s core strength: “I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.” She continued, suggesting their partnership may be “the greatest Strictly partnership of all.”
Daly and Winkleman will make one final appearance on the show during the Christmas special, scheduled to air on December 25th.
