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.
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final
- Here are some of the front-runners who could replace Tess and Claudia as hosts
- George Clarke's showdance leaves judge in tears
- Anton du Beke's tribute leaves Tess Daly struggling for words
- Watch: Carlos Gu breaks down as he makes show admission
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman receive a royal surprise
A glimpse into the backstage antics today...
Saturday 20 December 2025 14:42 , Ellie MuirTonight’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?
Saturday 20 December 2025 15:03 , Ellie MuirStrictly 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...
Saturday 20 December 2025 15:28 , Ellie Muir• 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
Saturday 20 December 2025 16:15 , Ellie MuirHere 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
Saturday 20 December 2025 16:40 , Ellie MuirAn 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
Saturday 20 December 2025 17:15 , Ellie MuirShirley 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
Saturday 20 December 2025 17:30 , Ellie MuirThe 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
Saturday 20 December 2025 17:45 , Ellie MuirIn 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...
Saturday 20 December 2025 18:00 , Ellie MuirPrepare 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
Saturday 20 December 2025 18:29 , Ellie MuirAmy 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.”
Here we go...
Saturday 20 December 2025 18:59 , Rachel McGrathIt's the Strictly 2025 grand final! For the remaining three couples, it's all been leading up to this. But only one of them can be crowned winner.
Amber Davies, Karen Carney and George Clarke will all perform their professional partners three times; they'll redo their favourite dance of the series, a routine picked by the judges and their all-important showdance.
And as if there's not enough going on, tonight will be especially emotional as it's Tess and Claudia's final show in their hosting roles. Expect the tears to flow...
It’s the first montage of the night!
Expect a *lot* of these in the next two hours, as the celebs reflect on their journeys to tonight’s grand final.
Now the pros are kicking things off with a *very* pink opening number!
My (quite old) TV is struggling with the colour contrast, to be quite honest.
Huge cheers for the hosts
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:06 , Rachel McGrathThese are some extra big cheers for Tess and Claud! Who both already look like they could burst into tears.
“Thank you for joining us for one glorious last night in the ballroom,” Tess said.
Amber Davies opens the show
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:11 , Rachel McGrathThe 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?
Amber sets the bar high with her paso doble
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:17 , Rachel McGrathWhat 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!
George waltzes into the final
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:22 , Rachel McGrathThe 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.
'Impressive' George praised for 'ease' in the ballroom
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:27 , Rachel McGrathHere 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.
Karen Carney performs judges' pick
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:32 , Rachel McGrathThis 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!
Karen Carney lands the first 40 of the final
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:37 , Rachel McGrathHere 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!
Amber Davies performs triumphant showdance
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:42 , Rachel McGrathIt’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!
Amber praised for 'out of this world' showdance
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:48 , Rachel McGrathHere 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!
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!
George's showdance leaves judge in tears
Saturday 20 December 2025 19:59 , Rachel McGrathShirley’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.
Karen's showdance is set to "Inner Smile" by Texas and it’s a wonderful celebration of her time on the show.
Of the three showdances, it also has the most actual dancing in, and they’re showcasing plenty of different styles. She looks properly delighted too. Hooray!
Karen's showdance divides the judges
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:09 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Karen...
Shirley: “You came out here this evening and gave it your all. A little out of sync for me in a few places but overall, full-on impact. 100%. Well done you.”
Anton: “Just divine. That was the best bits of you. Absolutely magnificent.”
Craig: “I thought the first half was a little bit laclustre but when Kaz kicked in, she kicked in. I totally love your energy.”
Motsi: “Dynamite, I would say. Using your arms, showing feeling. You put so much content in there with energy. I want to feel like somebody left their heart on the dancefloor and you did that.”
Karen’s scores are... 8, 10, 9 and 10 - a total of 37.
Amber performs for the final time
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:15 , Rachel McGrathAmber and Nikita have already received a perfect score for this routine - their phenomenal Week 10 jive to "Proud Mary".
And isn’t it a joy to see it again? What a way for her to finish her Strictly journey.
Amber's jive lands a perfect score
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:20 , Rachel McGrathAww, the audience are on their feet and Amber’s family are in tears!
Here are the judges’ comments...
Anton: “It was even better the second time. I’d like to say congratulations to you. You’re an extraordinary talent, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to share in this and watch you dance.”
Craig: “Definitely as good as it was last time. I’m just sad that’s the last time I get to see you dance for free. Absolutely brilliant.”
Motsi: “I just want to say thank you. You stepped in last minute and you have been giving us extraordinary dances the whole run-through, with the noise going on outside.”
Shirley: “You have put your magical dust all over this show. Bright lights of Broadway, bright lights of the West End. Nothing ruffles your feathers. Well done.”
Amber is in floods of tears now too and I’m not far off, to be honest.
Here are the scores... 10, 10, 10 and 10 - she’s finished on a perfect 40.
Watch: Pros don Claudia wigs as the voting opens
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:22 , Rachel McGrathHere’s a highlight from earlier, which saw the professionals pay tribute to Claud as the voting opened...
George ends his Strictly journey with a Paso Doble
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:25 , Rachel McGrathGeorge and Alexis's couple's pick for the final is their Paso Doble - which will surely be a distant memory, as they first performed it in week two.
This has definitely improved a *lot*. Before tonight’s final, I had Karen down as the likely winner but I think George may well have stolen the show tonight?!
George finishes with near-perfect score
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:30 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for George...
Craig: “So much better. Better shaping. It was more focused. A vast improvement. Congratulations. I loved it.”
Motsi: “The first time you did this dance, I said you’re going to go far in this competition and we saw it tonight. This was amazing and I could feel the power.”
Shirley: “You started on your own, all focused and concentrated. It was like it wqas jus tthe two of you in the room. Spectacular.”
Anton: “All of your dances have been super, super strong. You look like a dancer. You’re a joy to watch. You’re the loveliest boy. I’ve got an eight-year-old at home and if he turns out like you, I’ll be proud.”
George’s scores are in... 9, 10, 10 and 10 - a total of 39.
Karen Carney closes the show with a jive
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:34 , Rachel McGrathIf this doesn't show how far Karen has come, then I don't know what will.
The former England star is redoing her week one jive to "One Way or Another".
The routine was sensational and hinted at what was to come from Karen. It scored 31 - very respectable for week one - but this is *loads* better now. What a way to finish!
Karen Carney finishes with a perfect score
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:42 , Rachel McGrathHere are the judges’ comments for Karen...
Motsi: “I’ve been trying to be so composed today and I gave it my best, but you got me with this one. This was amazing. You were incredible.”
Shirley: “Karen, I’d like to invite you to my world of competitors and you can teach them. She gave you a bit of a run for your money there, Carlos. You are the ultimate. You are fantastic.”
Anton: “Wow. To end as we began. What wonderful symmetry. I think that dance sums you up. The whole place got up. You involve everybody in what you do. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed watching you.”
He then turned his attention to the presenter, adding: “I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved Tess, spending 21 years with you.” Tess is now in tears, as are all of the judges!
Craig: “I’m here to ruin the mood, darling. I can think of a Lord Byron quote to sum you up, ‘Let joy be unconfined.’ That’s what you bring to the dancefloor.”
Turning to Tess again, he added: “We’re going to miss you like you won’t believe.”
And everyone in the Clauditorium is in tears too. And everyone in this living room (it’s just me).
And the scores are in - it’s a perfect 40!
Watch: Anton Du Beke's tribute leaves Tess Daly in tears
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:45 , Rachel McGrathIt’s an emotional one this evening! Here’s the moment when Anton’s tribute left host Tess Daly in floods of tears...
Strictly Class of 2025 reunite for group dance
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:50 , Rachel McGrath1The whole cast of 2025 are back now for a group dance. Well, almost all of them.
Tom ‘Bosh’ Skinner has decided not to take part which is actually a shame, as this is always such a lovely moment.
Watch: Carlos Gu in floods of tears as he makes show admission
Saturday 20 December 2025 20:51 , Rachel McGrathThe tears have been well and truly flowing tonight. This was a really unexpected moment earlier from the lovely Carlos...
Strictly staff and fans pay tribute to Tess and Claudia - before a royal message
Saturday 20 December 2025 21:00 , Rachel McGrathThis is properly lovely. The round-up of the series’ best moments is ending with a tribute to Tess and Claud, from fans and people who work on the show.
“Tess and Claudia are more than just the hosts of this show,” said one staff member.
“It’s going to be so strange not to have them here,” said another.
“What a partnership,” added Mary Berry. Actual Mary Berry!
They’ve now cut back to Tess and Claud, who are in tears.
But they’ve been interrupted by Craig! He’s reading a letter - from the Queen!!
“Dear Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week. Yours has been the best Strictly partnership of all.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. With warmest gratitude, Queen Camilla.” Amazing.
We’re just moments away from the winner being announced - eeek!! And what a night it’s been?!
And the winner is...
Saturday 20 December 2025 21:06 , Rachel McGrathIt’s... Karen and Carlos!!
This is so lovely!
Karen 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,” Carlos added. “You taught me so much. We challenged each other, we helped each other. Thank you for changing my life.”
And that’s a wrap!
Claudia’s eyeliner has miraculously held up through all the tears. What an evening!
Watch: The moment the winners were revealed
Saturday 20 December 2025 21:14 , Rachel McGrathHere’s the moment the winner was announced! It’s fair to say Karen and Carlos were truly stunned...
Watch: Claudia and Tess receive royal surprise
Saturday 20 December 2025 21:45 , Rachel McGrathThere were so many good moments tonight, weren’t there?
Here’s another of my faves - Craig reading out a letter from a very special fan of the show...
Here’s our full story on tonight’s deserving winners...
.png?trim=0,127,0,73&width=1200&height=800&crop=1200:800)
Anton's sweet words for George
Saturday 20 December 2025 22:45 , Rachel McGrathAnton gave some of the loveliest comments this evening, and his words to George were particularly special...
Karen and Carlos lift the Glitterball trophy
Saturday 20 December 2025 23:15 , Rachel McGrathThe professional snap from the Beeb has dropped! Here are our Strictly 2025 champions:
Tess Daly says she will be 'forever grateful'
03:55 , Ellie Harrison“I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you,” an emotional Daly wrote on Instagram after the grand final.
“I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been.”
Another look back at winner Karen Carney finishing with a perfect score
06:00 , Ellie HarrisonHere are the judges’ last comments for champion Karen, who closed the show with her week one jive to “One Way or Another”.
Motsi: “I’ve been trying to be so composed today and I gave it my best, but you got me with this one. This was amazing. You were incredible.”
Shirley: “Karen, I’d like to invite you to my world of competitors and you can teach them. She gave you a bit of a run for your money there, Carlos. You are the ultimate. You are fantastic.”
Anton: “Wow. To end as we began. What wonderful symmetry. I think that dance sums you up. The whole place got up. You involve everybody in what you do. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed watching you.”
He then turned his attention to outgoing presenter Daly, adding: “I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved Tess, spending 21 years with you.” Tess was tears, as were all of the judges!
Craig: “I’m here to ruin the mood, darling. I can think of a Lord Byron quote to sum you up, ‘Let joy be unconfined.’ That’s what you bring to the dancefloor.”
Turning to Tess again, he added: “We’re going to miss you like you won’t believe.”
Everyone in the Clauditorium was in floods of tears.
And Karen scored a perfect 40!
Check out Tess and Claudia's best bits
07:00 , Ellie HarrisonTis truly the end of an era! Prepare the tissues – here’s a look back on Tess and Claudia’s time presenting the programme.
Craig Revel Horwood called them a “power couple” while Shirley Ballas said they’re “pure magic”.
Anton Du Beke said: “After all of these years, neither of them have learnt a step of dancing.”
What a moment...
09:00 , Ellie MuirKaren and Carlos lift the Glitterball trophy – a real triumph.
Tess Daly says Strictly's 'only agenda' is joy
09:07 , Ellie MuirReflecting on her final show, Tess Daly wrote on Instagram that Strictly “is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda.”
She continued: “I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been.”
Last year's winner Chris McCausland 'delighted' that neighbour Karen Carney is keeping Glitterball trophy 'local'
09:21 , Ellie MuirChris McCausland, who won last year’s show with Dianne Buswell, has said he is “delighted” that his neighbour Karen Carney is keeping the Glitterball in the local area.
“What a legend Kaz is!” he wrote on X/Twitter. “We used to be next door neighbours and now she lives around the corner. Delighted she is keeping the glitter ball local! And well done to lovely Carlos as well!”
Strictly plays funny prank on Claudia Winkleman as she exits show
10:00 , Ellie MuirLast night, the show’s pro dancers and judges played a funny prank on Claudia Winkleman during her final live show by dressing up as her doppelgangers, clad in black-fringed wigs and thick eyeliner.
Read more here:
Strictly Come Dancing plays funny prank on Claudia Winkleman as she exits show
Watch: Karen Carney's showstopping Argentine tango
10:30 , Ellie MuirA moment for George Clarke's Showdance
10:30 , Ellie MuirWatch: George and Alexis perform their Showdance routine to “Human” by The Killers. That opening sequence!
George Clarke says it's been 'hard' to come to terms with the end of his 'Strictly' time
11:23 , Ellie MuirRunner-up George Clarke said in a post on Sunday morning: “Last night was a lot to process but not because I didn't walk away with a glitterball. The journey is done and that's hard to come to terms with.”
He praised his partner, new pro dancer Alexis Warr, for teaching him how to dance and building up his confidence.
George added: “Overall, the whole world of Strictly is so uplifting and positive. Everyone in and around the Strictly family has been a breath of fresh air to have in my life. It was an absolute pleasure to be a part of it and a part of Tess and Claudia's last season (who were nothing short of incredible to me throughout).”
He praised the winner, Karen, saying: “Everyone has had their own personal journeys and many would've been worthy of winning but I'm happy to say that a particularly impressive woman on and off the dance floor has had the privilege of walking away as champ.”
“I hope that I can continue dancing in some capacity because in many ways I don't feel like I'm done... my body however will be on standby until 2026. Thankyou to everyone that made this incredible experience possible! Now let's go make some internet stuff.”
Strictly’s tear-soaked finale leaves us wondering – how on earth can you replace a duo like Tess and Claudia?
12:40 , Ellie MuirHow could anyone else possibly match up?
Queen Camilla put it best when she said the pair have “been the greatest Strictly partnership of all,” writes Rachel McGrath
How on earth can you replace a duo like Strictly’s Tess and Claudia?
Winner Karen says she's got 'friends for life' in her fellow finalists
12:49 , Ellie MuirAddressing her fellow finalists, George Clarke and Amber Davies and their pro partners, Karen said online: “Last night was a celebration and I’m so grateful we could experience that together – you were all incredible!”
“Thank you for being some of the loveliest, most caring people I’ve ever met. From start to finish sharing the dance floor with you has been the biggest honour,” she added.
“I can’t believe that was our last time dancing together but I’m so thankful I have friends for life in all of you.”
Carlos Gu makes sad admission before lifting Glitterball trophy
13:10 , Ellie MuirThis year’s pro winner Carlos Gu, 32, said during the live show that he was “self-centred” before he met his dance partner, Karen Carney, 38.
He said: “She changed my life. She’s the best thing I’ve ever had in 2025. I came to Strictly after competitive live, I was self-centered, I was ‘me me me.’”
“I’ve been lost for years… no wonder I didn’t get a partner last year because I was not grateful,” he said, referring to the fact that he was not paired with a celebrity on the 2024 programme.
Read more below:
Strictly’s Carlos Gu says he was ‘self-centred’ before meeting Karen Carney
Having Claudia withdrawals already? Us too!
13:45 , Ellie MuirBut have no fear – her brilliant show,The Traitors, is back sooner than you think on New Year’s Day.
Read more about the new series below:
