In a glittering and emotionally charged finale, the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing crowned its champions while saying a poignant goodbye to its legendary presenting duo. The former England footballer Karen Carney, 38, and professional dancer Carlos Gu, 32, triumphed to lift the coveted glitter-ball trophy on Saturday night.
A Night of Historic Firsts for the Winners
Their victory marks a significant moment in the show's history. Carney becomes the first football player ever to win Strictly Come Dancing, while Gu's win sees him become the first openly gay and Asian male professional to claim the title. The pair defeated fellow finalists, West End actor Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke.
An overwhelmed Carney said after the win, "I can't believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey." She paid tribute to her partner, calling Gu a "wonderful gentleman" and stating they were a team. Gu emotionally thanked the former Lioness, telling her, "You changed my life," and sent a message to viewers to "dream big and be proud and never give up."
A Fond Farewell to Iconic Hosts
The final was doubly momentous as it served as the last live weekend show hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as a pair. Daly is leaving after 21 years and Winkleman after 11. The broadcast featured a heartfelt video tribute with messages from fans, friends, and figures like Mary Berry.
In a royal touch, judge Craig Revel Horwood read a message from Queen Camilla, who praised the hosts' "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness," calling their partnership "the greatest Strictly partnership of all" and signing off with the iconic phrase, "Keeeeeeeep dancing!"
Daly responded, "Thank you so much to you all for your lovely words, it has meant the world," while Winkleman added, "It's been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you." The duo will return for a final pre-recorded appearance in the Strictly Christmas Day special.
Show-Stopping Routines Seal the Victory
To secure their win, Carney and Gu performed three dances. They earned a perfect score of 40 for their intense, Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Their show dance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas scored 37 points, and they chose a football-themed jive to Blondie's 'One Way or Another' as their favourite routine.
The night celebrated the joy, challenge, and friendships at the heart of Strictly, closing one celebrated chapter in the show's history while enthusiastically beginning another with its new champions.
