Karen Carney and Carlos Gu win Strictly Come Dancing
Former footballer Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu have been crowned as champions of the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing after triumphing in Saturday's (20.12.25) final.
Karen Carney and Carlos Gu have won Strictly Come Dancing.
The former England footballer and her professional partner lifted the coveted Glitterball Trophy after a tense final of the BBC show on Saturday (20.12.25) night.
Karen - who triumphed in the public vote against Love Island winner Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke - hugged Carlos and broke down in tears after the result was announced.
The 38-year-old star said: "I cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that’s supported our journey, supported us, and thank you to this wonderful gentleman.
"We are a team, and I could not have done this without you. But honestly, I can’t believe it, and it’s been the biggest privilege and honour, and literally, I’m lost for words. I’m so sorry."
Carlos, 32, added: "I love you and thank you for being so incredible this whole journey, you taught me so much, and we are completely two different characters, but we challenged each other, we helped each other. We never gave up on each other. And thank you for changing my life.
"To the boys and girls at home watching this dream big and be proud and never give up, because you never know."
The Strictly finalists all performed three routines during the show, which marked the final live programme for departing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
As part of an emotional farewell for the pair, judge Craig Revel Horwood read out a letter written by Queen Camilla thanking them for being "The Greatest Strictly Couple of All".
The 78-year-old royal - who is a huge fan of the show - wrote: "Dear Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
"I’ve often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
"If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success."
The letter continued: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous.
"I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, you promise us one thing: Keeeeeep dancing!
"With warmest gratitude and admiration Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla."
Although the final marked Tess and Claudia's final live programme on Strictly, the pair will be seen hosting the pre-recorded festive special that will air on Christmas Day (25.12.25).
