The race for the Glitterball Trophy on Strictly Come Dancing 2025 has taken a dramatic turn, with a new frontrunner emerging just weeks before the final.
From the Pitch to the Dance Floor: A New Favourite Emerges
Former England footballer and current pundit Karen Carney, 38, has surged to the top of the bookmakers' lists after delivering a stunning, tear-jerking performance with her professional partner Carlos Gu on Saturday night. The pair received a perfect score of 40 from the judges, a milestone that has completely reshaped the competition.
Carney's consistent improvement throughout the series culminated in this flawless routine, which left both her and Carlos emotional even before the scores were announced. Her recent form is formidable, having amassed 79 points across her last two dances.
The Betting Odds Shift Dramatically
The public and the bookmakers have swiftly reacted to Carney's rise. She has now overtaken the long-time favourite, George Clarke, in the betting to lift the trophy.
BetMGM now places Karen Carney as the odds-on favourite at 1/2. George Clarke has slipped to second place with odds of 7/4. The rest of the field trails significantly, with Lewis Cope at 8/1 and Amber Davies a distant 50/1.
Dan Towse, Brand Director at BetMGM, confirmed the shift: "George Clarke had been the Strictly favourite pretty much since the opening night, but it's all changed as we approach the business end. Karen Carney has improved week-on-week, and she's now surpassed Clarke in the betting."
Making Strictly History
If Karen Carney goes on to win the series, she will secure a unique place in Strictly Come Dancing history. She would become the first former professional footballer ever to win the Glitterball Trophy.
More broadly, she would be the first sportsperson to win since gymnast Louis Smith in 2012. The only other athletes to have triumphed are former cricketers Darren Gough and Mark Ramprakash.
This prediction follows a bold call made by a Metro columnist after the first week of the competition, who said Carney would outperform every footballer who had previously entered the show. That prophecy now looks increasingly likely to come true.
The competition is now entering its crucial final stages. The semi-final is scheduled for next week, with the grand final following just two weeks later. Five celebrities remain, all vying for a spot in the last three.
Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One, with the next episode airing on Saturday, December 6 at 6.50pm.
