LONDON, December 21, 2025 – Former England footballer Karen Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu have claimed victory on the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing, delivering a stunning finale that also marked a poignant farewell for two of the show’s beloved hosts.
A historic Win and a Bittersweet Farewell
Carlos Gu becomes the first openly gay and Asian man to win the BBC One dance program.
- Carney and Gu won the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday.
- This win represents a first for both competitors: Carney as the first football player and Gu as the first openly gay and asian man to win.
- Saturday’s final also served as the last episode co-hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
- Queen Camilla sent a message of congratulations, praising the partnership between Carney and gu.
Saturday’s final wasn’t just about the dancing; it also signaled the end of an era for the show’s presenting team. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman co-hosted the live weekend show for the last time, following their proclamation in October that they would be departing after 21 and 11 years respectively.
after being crowned champions, defeating West End actor Amber Davies and social media personality George Clarke, a visibly moved Carney, 38, expressed her disbelief. “I can’t believe it,” she said. “I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey, and supported us.Thank you to this wonderful gentleman, we are a team and I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Gu, 32, reciprocated the gratitude, telling Carney, “You changed my life.” He then extended a message of encouragement to viewers, adding, “To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be proud and never give up.”
Prior to the crowning, a heartfelt video tribute was played for Daly and Winkleman, featuring messages from fans, friends, and fellow television personalities, including TV cook mary Berry.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood then shared a message from Queen Camilla,which read: “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. If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated wiht and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success. I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next. But as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits,do promise us one thing: Keeeeeeeep dancing!”
Daly responded with gratitude,saying,”Thank you so much to you all for your lovely words,it has meant the world.Thank you for the support you’ve shown over the years.” Winkleman echoed the sentiment,adding,”It’s been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you.”
The finalists each performed three dances during the live show: a reprise of a previous routine after a masterclass with the judges, a show dance, and their favorite dance from the series. Carney and Gu’s Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine tango to Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ “Red Right Hand” earned a perfect score of 40 from the judges. They followed this with a show dance to Texas’ “Inner Smile,” receiving 37 points,and a football-themed jive to Blondie’s “One Way or Another” as their chosen favorite.
Daly and Winkleman will make one final appearance together in a pre-recorded Strictly festive special,scheduled to air on Christmas Day.
