SHOCK VICTORY: FROM “WORST” TO WINNER! STRICTLY FINAL ENDS IN FLOODS OF TEARS!

After 13 gruelling weeks of fake tan disasters, aching feet and sequins galore, Strictly Come Dancing crowned its 2025 champion — and it was former England footballer Karen Carney who captured the nation’s heart.

Facing fierce competition from Love Island star Amber Davies and TikTok favourite George Clarke, Karen danced her way to victory alongside professional partner Carlos Gu, lifting the iconic Glitterball Trophy in what proved to be one of the most emotional finals in the show’s history.

Karen and Carlos have been declared the winners of Strictly 2025! Speaking after becoming Tess and Claudia’s last champion, Karen said: “I cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody who’s supported our journey and supported us.”

“And thank you to this wonderful gentleman,” speaking to Carlos. “We are a team and I could not have done this without you. I can’t believe it – it’s been the biggest privilege and honour. I’m lost for words.”

Carlos added: “Thank you Karen Carney – I love you. Thank you for being so incredible this whole journey. You taught me so much and we are completely two different characters but we challenge each other, we help each other, we never give up on each other. Thank you for changing my life and thank you Strictly.”

An emotional Carlos struggled to hold back tears after the result was announced, admitting live on air that Strictly had changed his life. He told hosts that Karen taught him how to be “a kind, humble person” and how to truly work as part of a team, confessing that he once focused only on himself before the competition.

Karen’s journey to the title was marked by standout performances, including a Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine Tango that earned the first perfect 40 of the night and brought the audience to its feet. That momentum, combined with strong public backing, ultimately carried her to victory over fellow finalists Amber Davies and George Clarke.

As the confetti fell, Karen thanked viewers for believing in her, while hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman signed off their final live show, closing one of the most emotional Strictly finales in recent memory.