The chaotic and unforgettable Strictly Come Dancing 2025 series reaches its glittering climax this Saturday, as the final three celebrities prepare to battle for the coveted Glitterball trophy. The grand final on Saturday 20 December at 7pm on BBC One will also mark a poignant end of an era, serving as the last ever live episode hosted by the iconic presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The Road to the Final: A Series of Surprises and Setbacks
This year's competition has been a rollercoaster from the very start. Before the series even began, controversy surrounded Tom Skinner's place on the show, while Game of Thrones actor Kristian Nairn and ex-Love Islander Dani Dyer were forced to withdraw. Their late replacements, Emmerdale's Lewis Cope and Dyer's fellow Islander Amber Davies, stepped into the breach, with Davies joining with less than 48 hours' notice before the launch show.
The shocks continued with the announcement of Daly and Winkleman's departure, followed by two more celebrities pulling out due to injury. The untimely exit of La Voix even led to an unprecedented elimination-free week at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Meet the 2025 Strictly Finalists
Amber Davies: The Skilled Dancer Fighting Prejudice
Despite being a last-minute addition, 29-year-old Amber Davies immediately impressed with a Waltz of week five or six quality. The former Love Islander and West End performer has delivered show-stopping routines, including a perfect-scoring Charleston in the quarter-finals and an Ariana Grande-inspired Cha Cha.
However, her extensive dance training has been a double-edged sword. While it has honed her technique, it has also made her a target for viewer criticism and relentless online abuse. Following her quarter-final dance-off victory over popular contestant Lewis Cope, the vitriol became so severe that her professional partner, Nikita Kuzmin, issued an emotional plea to fans. Despite being arguably the most technically proficient dancer remaining, Davies is the only finalist to have faced the dance-off, a factor that may ultimately cost her the title.
Karen Carney: The Trailblazing Footballer Who Found Confidence
Making history as the first female footballer on Strictly, 38-year-old Karen Carney has mirrored her on-pitch success on the dancefloor. She shot to the top of the leaderboard in week one with an energetic Jive alongside partner Carlos Gu. Her journey hit a hurdle when she revealed her Scheuermann's disease, a spinal condition, which challenged her in ballroom holds.
Characteristically resilient, Carney persevered. A dramatic Peaky Blinders-themed Argentine Tango at Halloween reignited her campaign, leading to standout performances like a Lady Gaga Couple's Choice, a near-perfect Blackpool Paso Doble, and the series' best Waltz in the semi-final. Beyond the dancing, Carney has spoken movingly about how trolling during her punditry career damaged her confidence and how Strictly has helped her rediscover her "true, authentic self."
George Clarke: The YouTuber Who Won Hearts
For many viewers, 26-year-old YouTuber George Clarke was an unknown quantity at the start of the series. He has since charmed the nation with his fun-loving personality and surprising elegance. His journey has featured a bizarre K-pop Couple's Choice, a memorable Blackpool Salsa to "Party Rock Anthem," and a chaotic Instant Dance challenge.
Yet Clarke has also shown serious skill and vulnerability. His Phantom of the Opera Argentine Tango was a Musicals Week highlight, and his Quickstep to Frank Sinatra earned high praise. A heartfelt Rumba dedicated to his mother and grandfather revealed a deeper side. As the only male finalist and the only one yet to score a perfect 40, he enters the final as a potential dark horse.
The Final Showdown
With the Glitterball trophy within reach, the stage is set for a spectacular finale. Each finalist carries a unique narrative: Davies seeks to overcome the burden of her experience, Carney aims to cement her transformative journey, and Clarke hopes to spring a final surprise. One thing is certain: in Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's last live show, Strictly Come Dancing 2025 will crown a champion in unforgettable fashion.
