Birmingham's Karen Carney has been crowned the champion of Strictly Come Dancing 2025, securing her place in the show's history. The former England footballer and her professional partner, Carlos Gu, triumphed in a tense final on Saturday, 20 December, which also marked the end of an era for the beloved presenting duo.
A Historic Night on the Dance Floor
The grand final was a night of high emotion and fierce competition. Carney faced off against fellow finalists Amber Davies and George Clarke, each performing three dances for the judges. The scores were incredibly tight, with Amber leading on 118 points and both Karen and George close behind on 117. However, the ultimate decision rested solely with the public vote, which propelled the Solihull-born star to victory.
Karen's winning routines included a powerful Argentine Tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, chosen by the judges, and a vibrant Jive to Blondie's 'One Way Or Another' from earlier in the series. Her showstopping showdance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas was a heartfelt tribute to her Birmingham roots.
Public Acclaim and a Fond Farewell
Following her win, an emotional Carney paid tribute to her partner and the public. "Cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that's supported our journey," she said. "Thank you to this wonderful gentleman [Carlos]. We are a team and I couldn't have done this without you."
Fans on social media widely celebrated the result, with many noting how Carney had brilliantly defied the 'footballer on Strictly' stereotype. One supporter wrote that she had "kicked it out the park (pun intended)," while others, including fans of the other finalists, acknowledged she was a deserving winner.
The End of an Era for Strictly Hosts
The 2025 final was doubly significant as it was the last live show hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The pair, who have fronted the programme together for over a decade, announced their departure in October. The emotional finale featured numerous tributes from judges and dancers, with their final appearance as a duo set to be the pre-recorded Christmas Day special.
Daly, 56, has been with Strictly since its 2004 launch, while Winkleman, 53, joined the main Saturday show in 2014. Their exit marks a profound change for the BBC juggernaut, ensuring the 2025 series will be remembered not just for Karen Carney's historic win as the first footballer to lift the Glitterball, but as the closing chapter for two of its most iconic figures.
