The 2025 finale left fans, dancers and judges in tears as they also bid farewell to Tess and Claudia

Saturday marked the final Strictly Come Dancing of 2025 – and the final show featuring presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who have been a part of the series for more than two decades.

The final three couples, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke and Alexis Warr and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu, each performed three routines as they took to the stage for the final time.

Following an emotional episode, which also saw tributes flood in for the presenters, the winner was eventually revealed as former Lioness Karen.

The 38-year-old appeared speechless as their names were called, seemingly unable to respond.

Fans watching the highly-anticipated conclusion from home quick reacted though, with many applauding the former football star’s win.

One penned on X: “KAREN AND CARLOS DESERVED THAT GLITTER BALL SO MUCH IM SO HAPPY THEY WON!! #Strictly.”

“I am absolutely thrilled that Karen and Carlos have won #Strictly what a beautiful pairing. What an emotional night. She really did that for the girlies and footballers. Well deserved, this series has been a wild one that’s for sure. Tess and Claudia, top duo. #queens,” another echoed.

“So very happy to see Karen Carney win #Strictly. Such a high quality final, and series, but Karen and Carlos were a perfect and inspirational pairing,” one fan penned.

Another shared: “Karen & Carlos arrived as my ‘Dark horse’ couple from Week 1 and I supported them ever since.”

“I’m so happy that Karen and Carlos has won this year’s #Strictly. They have been brilliant partnerships throughout this series and I’m happy for Carlos too,” one more wrote.

Ms Carney’s victory, which makes her the first ever footballer to win the dance competition, left her dazed as Mr Gu instantly became emotional.

“I cannot believe it, I just want to say thank you to everyone that’s supported us,” Ms Carney commented before also thanking her dance partner. She went on to admit: “I literally am lost for words.”

Mr Gu added: “Thank you, Karen Carney. I love you. Thank you for being so incredible this whole journey.”

Earlier in tonight’s finale, the couple had impressed judges with three dances, including one selected by judge Motsi Mabuse, one chosen by the duo themselves and one showdance routine.

They scores two perfect 40s and a 37, giving them a combined score of 117.

Fellow finalists, Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin and George Clarke and Alexis Warr, achieved 117 and 118 respectively for their three routines.

The finale also saw many of the former couples returning to perform a huge group number.

Ms Carney, former Birmingham City and England footballer, had selected her Week One Jive to One Way Or Another by Blondie as her final routine.

The Solihill-born star also got to re-create her Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine Tango, performed to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave, after Ms Mabuse opting to see the routine again.

The couple’s showdance was performed to Inner Smile by Texas.

| BBC

The emotional episode had fans in tears from the start, with a poignant gesture by Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman noted at the start.

Following a lively group dance that saw previous couples return to the floor, the hosts walked down the stairs, arm in arm with Johannes Radebe and Aljaž Škorjanec respectively.

Ms Winkleman then turned around to show the pair’s signature catchphrase “keep dancing” eblazoned on the back of her black blazer.

Later in the episode, Craig Revel Horwood read out a letter from none other than Queen Camilla, dedicated to the two presenters.