For the first time in years, the Strictly Come Dancing final is a genuinely unpredictable affair. As the glitterball trophy awaits, three celebrities – former England footballer Karen Carney, YouTuber George Clarke, and former Love Island winner Amber Davies – are set for a spectacular showdown on Saturday night. This climax follows one of the most celebrated series in the show's 21-year history, packed with perfect scores and unforgettable performances.
The Unpredictable Final Three
Typically, the winner of Strictly becomes apparent weeks before the final. This year defies that trend entirely. While Amber Davies is widely regarded as the best technical dancer of the series, her journey has been fraught with peril, surviving multiple dance-offs due to a perceived lack of public support. Her place in the final feels hard-won, and many fans are simply relieved to see her perform her Showdance.
The real contest, however, is a knife-edge battle between Karen Carney and George Clarke. Neither has faced the dreaded dance-off, proving their popularity with the viewing public. George entered as a front-runner, buoyed by a devoted online fanbase that has saved him from low leaderboard positions. He silenced critics with a stellar Charleston last week, proving his worth as a finalist.
Karen Carney's Meteoric Rise
Karen Carney's journey has been the most transformative. The former Lioness roared into the competition with a ferocious Jive in week one, becoming the first footballer to top the leaderboard in 18 years. While she faced inconsistency early on, her momentum since Halloween has been unstoppable.
Her Peaky Blinders Argentine Tango was a standout, but it was her powerful Couple's Choice routine to Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' that cemented her status as a potential winner. Starting atop a podium marked 'Strength', 'Lioness', and 'Focus', she delivered a fearless and commanding performance that moved judges and audiences alike.
Her partnership with professional dancer Carlos Gu has been hailed as one of the show's strongest, built on undeniable chemistry and quiet triumph. Coupled with her consistent humility despite high praise, Karen has captured the hearts of many.
A Public Vote Decides the Champion
With the final decided solely by the public vote, the outcome is truly uncertain. George Clarke's social media following represents a powerful voting bloc, reminiscent of recent reality TV victories. Yet, Karen Carney's astonishing late-series surge and relatable journey give her a compelling claim to the trophy.
This final promises to be one of the closest in Strictly history. While Amber Davies has already triumphed by reaching this stage against the odds, the glitterball is likely to be lifted by either a history-making footballer or a resilient social media star. For this journalist, Karen Carney's inspiring evolution from tentative novice to confident, fiery performer makes her the worthy winner.
