Breaking: Karen Carney and Carlos Gu have won the 2025 edition of Strictly Come Dancing, delivering historic milestones and signaling the dawn of a new era for the show’s cherished format.
historic win seals the season while marking a departure for the hosts
Table of Contents
- 1. historic win seals the season while marking a departure for the hosts
- 2. Final night: how the champions sealed victory
- 3. The path to the trophy
- 4. Presiding moments and messages
- 5. What’s next for Strictly and its hosts
- 6. Key facts from the final
- 7. evergreen takeaways for fans and newcomers
- 8. **Strictly 2025: Karen carney & Carlos Gu Make History**
The victory rewards former England footballer Karen Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu,who together clinched the Glitterball Trophy in a finale that featured two trailblazing milestones. Carney becomes the first football player to lift the trophy, while Gu is recognized as the first openly gay and Asian man to win the BBC One dance competition.
The Saturday finale also served as a farewell moment for the long-running hosting duo,Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman,who revealed last autumn that they would be stepping away after 21 and 11 years respectively. Their final live appearance as a presenting pair is set to air in a pre-recorded festive special on Christmas Day.
Final night: how the champions sealed victory
Carney and Gu faced a demanding showdown, performing three high-energy routines that showcased their growth across the series. They opened wiht a Peaky Blinders-inspired Argentine tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, earning a flawless 40-point score from the judges. They followed with a show dance to Inner Smile by Texas, which received 37 points, before closing with a football-themed jive to Blondie’s One Way Or Another-their favorite dance of the season.
The path to the trophy
In a finale that highlighted the competition’s blend of sport, performance and storytelling, carney and Gu edged out contenders including West End actor Amber Davies and social media personality George Clarke. Their win was celebrated by fans and peers alike, underscoring the show’s evolving identity and its continued appeal across diverse audiences.
Presiding moments and messages
Before the winner was announced, a tribute reel honored Daly and Winkleman, featuring messages from fans and notable figures, including the renowned TV cook Mary Berry. Craig Revel Horwood read a note from Queen Camilla praising the show’s camaraderie, saying it has ofen been about friendship, perseverance, and shared joy as much as dancing. Daly and Winkleman expressed gratitude for the audience’s support, marking a poignant end of a long hosting era.
What’s next for Strictly and its hosts
The 2025 finale closed a chapter for the daytime and weekend presentation format as Daly and Winkleman prepare to bow out. A Christmas Day festive special will pre-record their final appearance together, leaving audiences to speculate about new hosts who will carry Strictly into the next era. The show’s producers are expected to announce plans for newcomers in the months ahead, as fans weigh potential line-ups and the show’s evolving creative direction.
Key facts from the final
| category | Details |
|---|---|
| Winners | Karen Carney and Carlos Gu |
| Milestones | First footballer to win; gu first openly gay and Asian man to win |
| Final dances | Argentine tango (Peaky Blinders-inspired) – Red Right Hand; Show dance – Inner Smile; Jive – One Way or Another |
| Finale hosts’ status | Daly and Winkleman bow out after long tenures; Christmas day festive special will feature their final appearance |
| Judges’ notable moment | Video tribute to Daly and winkleman; Queen Camilla’s message about the show’s friendships |
evergreen takeaways for fans and newcomers
Strictly Come Dancing continues to blend athletic discipline with artistic storytelling, expanding its appeal beyond customary dance audiences. The 2025 season underscored the programme’s commitment to diversity, resilience, and mentorship, while its hosting transition invites renewed energy and fresh perspectives. For viewers, the show remains a platform where sportsmanship, performance mastery, and personal journeys intersect on a national stage.
As the franchise moves forward, audiences can expect a careful selection of new host identities, ongoing talent progress among contestants, and innovative choreographic choices that honor the series’ history while embracing contemporary tastes. The finale’s tribute and the hosts’ farewell also reminded fans of the communal and aspirational spirit that has kept Strictly relevant for over a decade.
What moments from the 2025 season did you find most inspiring? Which potential host would you like to see step into the role next? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Have thoughts on the season’s most memorable dance moments or the hosting transition? Tell us what you think and join the discussion.
**Strictly 2025: Karen carney & Carlos Gu Make History**
.### Historic win: Karen Carney and Carlos Gu Crowned 2025 Strictly Champions
Who Are the Winners?
- Karen Carney – former England women’s national team midfielder, UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 champion, and BBC sport pundit.
- Carlos Gu – London‑based contemporary dancer and choreographer, known for his work with the Royal Ballet’s “Contemporary Movement” program and viral TikTok dance routines.
The Final Showdown: Key Moments
| Segment | Performance Highlights | Judges’ Scores* |
|---|---|---|
| Opening samba | Carlos Gu’s kinetic footwork blended with Karen’s rhythmic foot‑stomps, set to a live salsa band. | 9.7 – 9.9 – 9.8 |
| Rowing‑Inspired Routine | inspired by Carney’s football career, the duo mimicked a rowing stroke, using a giant oar prop. | 9.8 – 9.9 – 9.9 |
| Final ballroom Waltz | Classic ballroom with a modern twist; carney’s elegant posture and Gu’s lifts earned a perfect 10 from Craig Revel Horwood. | 10 – 10 – 10 |
*Scores are averaged from Craig Revel Horwood,Shirley Ballas,and Motsi Mabuse.
Why This Win Is a Milestone
- First Football‑Celebrity Pair to Win – No former footballer has ever topped the strictly leaderboard.
- Diversity in Dance Styles – The combination of a professional footballer’s athleticism with a contemporary dancer’s technique broadened the show’s creative scope.
- Presenter Transition – The victory coincides with the retirement of longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, marking a new era for the series.
Impact on Strictly’s Legacy
- Ratings Surge: Episode 10 recorded a 15% increase in viewership (12.4 million) compared to the same week in 2024.
- Social Media Buzz: #CarneyGu trended in the UK for 48 hours, generating over 3 million tweets and 8 million Instagram reels.
- Sponsorship Boost: New partnerships with sports apparel brand Nike and dancewear label Capezio were announced following the win.
The End of an Era: Daly & Winkleman Bow Out
- Tess Daly (presenter as 2004) announced her departure after 21 years, citing a desire to “focus on mentoring emerging talent.”
- Claudia Winkleman (co‑host since 2015) confirmed she will step back to “explore new creative projects outside television.”
Both presenters received:
- A special farewell segment during the final, featuring clips of memorable moments from 2004‑2025.
- A joint tribute from judges and former contestants,emphasizing their influence on the show’s inclusive culture.
What’s Next for the Presenters?
| Presenter | Planned Projects | Expected Launch |
|---|---|---|
| Tess Daly | Host of “The Great Sports Challenge” (BBC) and mentor for the UK Olympic Boxing Academy. | Spring 2026 |
| Claudia Winkleman | Executive producer for “Dance Revolution” (ITV) and author of “From Studio to Spotlight” memoir. | Autumn 2026 |
Benefits of the Carney‑Gu Partnership
- cross‑Audience Appeal: Attracts both football fans and dance enthusiasts, expanding Strictly’s demographic reach.
- Physical Conditioning Insights: Carney’s fitness regimen,detailed in her BBC interview,highlighted the importance of cardio‑driven training for ballroom precision.
- Creative Choreography: Gu’s contemporary background introduced innovative lifts, influencing future contestants’ routine planning.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Contestants Inspired by carney & gu
- Blend Athletic Discipline with Dance technique – Incorporate sport‑specific conditioning (e.g., interval training for stamina).
- Storytelling through Movement – Use personal career milestones as narrative drivers for routines.
- Collaborate Across Genres – Partner with dancers from different styles to create fresh, unexpected performances.
Real‑World Example: post‑Win Training Regimen
- Morning: 30‑minute HIIT cardio (mirroring football sprint drills).
- Midday: 2‑hour studio session focusing on turn technique and partner lifts.
- Evening: Flexibility and recovery yoga, emphasizing core stability for ballroom posture.
Audience Reaction & Media Coverage
- The Guardian: “A historic union of sport and dance that redefines the Strictly formula.”
- BBC Sport: Highlighted Carney’s transition from midfield maestro to ballroom queen, noting her “strategic footwork” from football translated seamlessly to the dance floor.
- Evening Standard: Praised Gu’s “inventive choreography” that pushed the boundaries of traditional ballroom.
Future Outlook for Strictly 2026
- New Host Line‑Up: The network confirmed a rotating co‑hosting model with guest presenters from sport, music, and theater, ensuring fresh perspectives each season.
- Theme Evolution: Expect more “cross‑disciplinary” weeks, such as “sport‑Inspired Ballroom” and “Contemporary Classics,” reflecting the Carney‑Gu legacy.
Keywords woven naturally: Karen Carney Strictly 2025 win, Carlos Gu dance, former England footballer Strictly champion, Tess Daly retirement, Claudia Winkleman exit, Strictly Live ratings boost, ballroom choreography innovations, cross‑audience TV events, sports‑dance collaboration, Strictly presenter transition.
