Full Breakdown
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu Crowned Champions of Strictly Come Dancing 2025
12/21/2025, 2:14:35 AM
Historic Victory in the Final
In a highly emotional finale aired on December 20, 2025, former England footballer Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu emerged victorious in the 23rd series of *Strictly Come Dancing*. Carney made history as the first footballer to win the coveted Glitterball trophy, defeating fellow finalists Amber Davies and George Clarke. The decision was made by public vote after the couples performed three routines each, including a show dance, a judges' pick, and their favorite dance from the series.
Carney expressed her disbelief and gratitude upon winning, stating, “I can’t believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey. Thank you to this wonderful gentleman, we are a team and I couldn’t have done it without you.” Gu, who also made history as the first openly gay and Asian man to win the show, praised Carney, saying, “You changed my life. To the girls and boys watching at home, dream big and be proud and never give up.”
The Final Performances
The grand finale featured a series of captivating performances. Carney and Gu's show dance to "Inner Smile" by Texas received a score of 37, while their Argentine Tango to "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and their football-themed jive to "One Way Or Another" by Blondie both earned perfect scores of 40. Their performances were met with standing ovations, showcasing their growth throughout the competition.
Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin opened the show with a Paso Doble to "Dream On" by Aerosmith, followed by George Clarke and Alexis Warr performing a Viennese Waltz to "Somebody to Love" by Queen. Despite strong performances from all finalists, it was Carney and Gu who captured the public's hearts and votes.
A Farewell to Beloved Hosts
The finale also marked the last live appearance of hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departure from the show earlier in the year. The duo received heartfelt tributes, including a message from Queen Camilla, read by judge Craig Revel Horwood, which praised their contributions to the show. The Queen noted, “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.”
Daly and Winkleman, visibly emotional, thanked the audience and the production team for their support over the years. Daly remarked, “It has been such an honour and an absolute pleasure sharing this with you,” while Winkleman added, “All that is left to do now is please keep dancing and celebrate our fantastic winners, Kaz and Carlos.”
Impact and Future Speculations
Carney's victory is seen as a significant moment for representation in the dance competition, especially as she has openly discussed her struggles with confidence and online abuse during her football career. Her journey on *Strictly* has been described as transformative, helping her rebuild her self-esteem.
As the show transitions to a new era without Daly and Winkleman, speculation about potential replacements is rife, with names like Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Alison Hammond among those considered for the hosting role.
The 2025 series of *Strictly Come Dancing* concluded with a celebration of talent, resilience, and the enduring spirit of dance, leaving a lasting legacy for both its champions and its beloved hosts.
