Former England footballer Karen Carney has been crowned the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2025, defeating George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin in a thrilling final. The 37-year-old former Lioness and her professional partner Carlos Gu lifted the Glitterball Trophy after three flawless performances on Saturday night.
The duo scored a perfect 40 for their Argentine Tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, and another 40 for their week one Jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie. Their Showdance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas earned 39 points. Carney revealed earlier in the week that she is friends with Texas singer Sharleen Spiteri.
Fans were quick to notice that Carney accepted the trophy wearing a glittery football kit, a nod to her illustrious football career. She won three league titles with Arsenal, three FA Women's Cups and a UEFA Women's Cup. Social media erupted with praise, with one fan writing: 'Karen once again lifts silverware in a football outfit!' Another said: 'I am obsessed with Karen winning in a glittery football kit, arguably the best outfit of the series.'
An emotional Carney said after the win: 'I cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that's supported our journey... and thank you to this wonderful gentleman. We are a team, and I could not have done this without you.' Carlos Gu added: 'Thank you for being so incredible this whole journey... you taught me so much... Thank you for changing my life.'
The final also marked the last regular episode for presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who will return for the Christmas special. Carney becomes the first footballer to win the show in 21 years.
