It was a spectacular – and emotional – end to the BBC One dance contest’s 2025 series
Strictly Come Dancing fans were given a reminder who didn’t make it to competing in the show’s grand final after the class of 2025 returned to the ballroom for the last time.
There were emotional scenes as Karen Carney- who triumphed in the public vote against actress Amber Davies and social media star George Clarke – hugged her dance partner Carlos Gu and broke down in tears after they were announced as this year’s champions.
The pair made Strictly history as Karen became the first footballer to lift the glitterball trophy while Carlos became the first openly gay and Asian man to win the BBC One dance programme.
After Tess Daly confirmed them as Strictly 2025 winners, Karen, 38, 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 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 final also included a group number from the 2025 cast, a performance from Five and a group routine from the professional dancers and finalists. But it was the return of this year’s Strictly contestants that distracted fans – especially Lewis Cope and Katya Jones’ return, after their exit from the competition during the quarter-final was described as a huge shock.
@holdontoyou16 said: “Lewis and Katya I missed you, my winners.” @rhiannon_dv commented: “Katya and Lewis were absolutely phenomenal! I can’t wait to see them perform their Couple’s Choice and Charleston live on tour next year! #Team10.” @lynnmoffat89xx fumed: “@lewiscope u should have been there!!!! It’s a fix!!!”
@adrks85 wrote: “Love @lewiscope! My winner.” @rachel25wat posted: “Lewis should’ve been in the final.” @lesleycovington shared: “@lewiscope and @katyajones shining on that floor once again.” @anne.robbo added: “How we were robbed of a Lewis and Katya show dance!”
