Take a look at our newest merchandise
![[Netflix Certified & Auto Focus] Smart 4K Projector, VGKE 900 ANSI Full HD 1080p WiFi 6 Bluetooth Projector with Dolby Audio, Fully Sealed Dust-Proof/Low Noise/Outdoor/Home/Bedroom](https://i0.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71yY+2ryOZL._AC_SL1500_.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1)
![[Netflix Official & Auto Focus/Keystone] Smart Projector 4K Support, VOPLLS 25000L Native 1080P WiFi 6 Bluetooth Outdoor Projector, 50% Zoom Home Theater Movie Projectors for Bedroom/iOS/Android/PPT](https://i2.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71Emwd78tlL._AC_SL1500_.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1)
Key occasions
On Amber Davies, joanieloves says: “Nonetheless discover Nikita’s outfit fairly disturbing however an awesome begin from Amber.”
Lidoswimmer says: “Nikita again in his suburban swingers’ celebration outfi. Move the cheese ‘n’ pineapple hedgehog.”
gladarvor says: “It was good to see Shirley give a masterclass. Genuinely feels prefer it made a distinction. That paso from Amber was superior, and one of many uncommon events when a non-paso music works very properly.”
MollyintheFolly says: “I’ve observed this earlier than but when they ever movie Shirley’s life story, Amber may completely play her!”
Somersetlass says: “Oooh, a correct highly effective, passionate paso from Amber and Nikita. Stunning arms, and a few actual hearth. I guess that halter of Nikita’s chafes, thoughts you.”
SparklingDormouse says: “Amber appeared to return alive in that showdance. I haven’t felt the enjoyment from her as I do the opposite two by way of the weeks. Felt the enjoyment then! Nevertheless, I agree with Craig – simply too many tips and never sufficient motion for my style.”
emilyscatnaps says: “Effectively finished. Amber. There’s no denying you’re a incredible dancer, and have given us a few of the greatest performances we’ve seen!
VelvetinaB says: “Improbable jive from Amber and Nikita. I simply love the syncopated begin – very unique for Strictly. I feel she has actually let go (as a lot as she will be able to) this night as she doesn’t actually need to impress anybody and her dancing is healthier for it.”
Strictlylounging provides: “Very dignified from Amber, realizing she gained’t win and rooting for the opposite two. Very elegant girl, notably with a few of the appalling hateful feedback she’s skilled.”
ReclinedPotato says: “Between Tess’s final judging panel and Carlos’ confession, I’m an absolute wreck. As a cussed assh*le myself for a few years, this yr I made a decision to let individuals in and present some kindness to the world. It has come again to me as essentially the most great expertise of affection and generosity, I may by no means have imagined. Let love in for the win!”
fihema says: “Oh Carlos, we’ve all learnt to like you this season. Carlos has modified from being the star – or attempting to be the star – to creating the star shine. Which has made him shine. One thing about when the tide rises, every thing rises? I’ve found that I actually admire Carlos, this season. Can’t wait to see him subsequent yr. It’s only a disgrace Karen gained’t be with him.”
Your remaining suggestions
Right here’s a rapidfire round-up of your climactic feedback. lester48 says: “Dave Arch and the singers are nailing it, as they usually do. Dave, you’re a famous person.”
paperview says: “I’m actually having fun with the judges stepping out from behind the desk and doing these tutorials. It’s good to be reminded that they actually do know their stuff in the case of dancing.”
fihema says: “Tess and Claud, Claud and Tess, in case you learn this, there isn’t any manner Strictly is ever going to be the identical with out you. You may have introduced full glitter, sparkle and shine to the present along with your woman energy, wit, friendship, professionalism, spontaneity and sheer expertise. Such a tough act to comply with and inconceivable to mimic. Thanks.”
Lidoswimmer says: “Claud should have industrial-strength waterproof eye make-up.”
MikeMoonlight provides: “Claudia has ‘preserve dancing’ written on the again of her jacket. Right here’s hoping that Tess staggers on to the ground with a bottle of vodka on the finish of the present, sporting a jacket with ‘I Don’t Actually Care About Your Little face, Do You?’ written on the again.”
Eventful sequence, if perhaps not an all-time traditional
So ends the twenty third sequence of the ballroom behemoth. It proved one of the crucial injury-plagued, with two pre-series withdrawals (Kristian Nairn and Dani Dyer) and two mid-series crocked celebs (Stefan Dennis and La Voix). Alex Kingston’s exit was additionally injury-related, together with her motion affected by a dislocated rib. All of it meant some hasty rejigging, with {couples} getting byes and no elimination in Blackpool – the place we apparently virtually misplaced head decide Shirley Ballas to a fish bone fatality.
There have been format improvements just like the hilariously chaotic Prompt Dance problem and Musical Week’s Dance Relay. Cynthia Erivo returned as a visitor decide with severe star energy, whereas Icons Week cemented its place as an everyday fixture. Meanewhile, Thomas Skinner precipitated controversy from begin to end, regardless of being booted out on the first alternative.
We noticed some remarkably high-standard hoofing, primarily from Karen Carney, Amber Davies and Lewis Cope, however the likes of Alex Kingston and George Clarke had their moments too. Some celebrities have been knocked out too early (Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Ellie Goldstein and Vicky Pattison for me, to not point out Lewis). In the meantime, Balvinder Sopal turned an sudden dance-off destroyer, surviving a record-breaking 5 eliminators.
A strong sequence will most likely be greatest remembered because the one the place Tess and Claudia made their bombshell announcement and fevered hypothesis about their potential replacements started. The closing of a chapter. Now we wait to see what the following one brings. Both manner, it must be an enchanting 2026.
Preserve dancing, Tess and Claud
As presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final reside present, this was a momentous night within the BBC ballroom. The tip of an period. Tess has been there proper from the beginning, clocking up 23 sequence in 21 years and greater than 500 exhibits. Claudia is not any slouch herself, having co-hosted for 15 years and clocking up greater than 300 exhibits. It’s onerous to think about the pro-celebrity hoof-athon with out them.
We had tissues on the prepared but this didn’t really feel like a leaving do for the beloved duo. For Tess and Claud, admirably, the present has all the time been in regards to the {couples}. They wouldn’t have needed to make tonight about them and overshadow the finalists. Properly, they bought their send-off in final week’s semi-final. The judges paid chin-wobbly tribute and Craig learn out a touching telegram from the precise Queen, however the pair nonetheless moved the highlight straight again onto the contestants.
Apart from, they’ll make their final display look on the prerecorded Christmas Day particular. I’m reliably knowledgeable it will see each get leaving presents. No spoilers however it may contain Aljaž Škorjanec and Dave Arch. We’ll save our full tributes till then however what whole lynchpins and all-round legends they’ve been. Their replacements have but to be introduced however theirs are huge sparkly stilettos to fill.
A reader writes
An e mail in regards to the judges’ marking simply in from Lynne:
I discover that Craig’s feedback are virtually all the time legitimate, regardless of the infantile booing every time he tries to provide notes. However what I don’t perceive is when he provides wholly optimistic feedback however then provides a 9. If he’s going to mark decrease, he must say why.
Thanks for all of your commentary throughout this sequence which has given a whole lot of pleasure. Hope to see you commentating in 2026.
Carlos got here into his personal
Regardless of the outcome tonight, we’d’ve had a first-time professional champion. Utah-born Alexis Warr significantly impressed in her debut sequence and appears to be a robust addition to the Strictly ranks.
You additionally need to really feel sorry for Ukrainian professional Nikita Kuzmin. For the second time in three years, he partnered essentially the most technically gifted finalist – Layton Williams in 2023, Amber Davies this time – however was overwhelmed to the glitterball.
Nevertheless, it was beautiful to see Shanghai-born Latin champion Carlos Gu get his second. As an empathetic and delicate companion to Karen Carney, he’s actually come into his personal this sequence. Carlos got here runner-up in his debut sequence with Molly Rainford and reached the quarter-final with Angela Scanlon however Kaz appeared to show him as a lot as he taught her. He grew virtually as a lot as she did, touchingly confessing that he’d change into a greater dancer and a greater particular person since partnering her.
Kaz clearly adored him and let him do his factor, pleased to take a again seat as he turned emotional with delight. Claudia Winkleman has helped Carlos dry his eyes many occasions this sequence. She’s going to want a fair larger, extra absorbent sleeve to wipe away his pleased tears tonight.
Amber was all the time too good to win
She copped a whole lot of flak all sequence for her perceived prior dance expertise however Amber Davies wanted to hit the bottom working. As a late substitute for the injured Dani Dyer, she had simply six hours’ coaching for her first dance however shortly bonded with professional companion Nikita Kuzmin, turned in a really creditable waltz and completed second on the leaderboard.
There’s a steadiness to be struck on Strictly between us needing high-standard hoofing to look at and having fun with somebody’s enchancment. Amber definitely ticked the field on the previous. She turned the primary ever celeb to attain excellent 40s for 3 weeks in a row and made it 4 tonight. She was the competition’s highest scorer general and remarkably constant, by no means ending decrease than fourth on the leaderboard.
Finally, although, she was overly achieved. Together with her stage faculty background and West Finish expertise, Amber began from too excessive a base. In comparison with her castmates, there was little room for development or self-discovery. There’s by no means an excuse for a few of the trolling she acquired however voting viewers by no means warmed to her, therefore tumbling from prime of the scoreboard into the underside two and showing within the dance-off thrice en path to this remaining. To her credit score, Amber acknowledged this within the remaining, admitting that her fellow finalists deserved the win.
Amber and Nikita have been a dynamite partnership however such is the character of Strictly that the best scorers, each general and within the remaining, turned the rank outsiders. These rumblings about her being a ringer meant she was by no means going to achieve adequate viewer votes. Nonetheless, she’ll go down as among the best dancers to not win (file alongside Danny Mac, Ashley Roberts and Layton Williams), whereas her inventory in musical theatre has solely risen. Just like the judges mentioned, a Broadway star was born.
George excelled however was overwhelmed by a greater girl
Final man standing George Clarke was bookies’ favorite for a lot of this contest. With a giant on-line following, he amused and charmed viewers, turning into fashionable with the broader public. By no means in dance-off hazard, he proceeded serenely by way of the competition all the best way to the top.
Within the dwelling stretch, although, he was overtaken by Karen Carney – each on the judges; scoreboard and in viewers’ hearts. Runner-up felt about proper for the self-effacing content material creator.
He was self-critical, self-conscious and initially struggled with confidence however slowly learnt to lose his inhibitions, let go and luxuriate in himself. Humble with an awesome sense of humour, he immediately revered companion Alexis Warr as a instructor and took studying to bounce significantly, turning into an awesome companion and diligent pupil. Towards his expectations , George turned a ballroom boy however within the latter phases of the competition, he unleashed his Latin hips too.
But his dancing was by no means fairly adequate to really deserve the glitterball. He scored 5 10s en path to the ultimate however by no means an ideal 40 – and nonetheless didn’t achieve this right here, regardless of the beneficiant scoring. He by no means topped the leaderboard however completed second thrice, confirming his standing as a ballroom bridesmaid. He neither fairly had the choreographic x-factor nor a compelling sufficient private story to hold him to victory.
Nonetheless, George has boosted his mainstream fame, gained legions of latest followers and finished his profession the facility of excellent. Certainly, he was not too long ago confirmed to be internet hosting a Radio 1 present on Christmas Day. George has introduced us a whole lot of laughs and a few popping hips. He was a deserving finalist however justice was finished.
Karen Carney was a worthy winner
Was Karen Carney the very best dancer within the contest? Not fairly however she turned the very best novice, behind the extra skilled Amber Davies and Lewis Cope. She simply bought higher and higher, whereas falling in love with dance and embarking on a transformational expertise. It was the textbook Strictly journey™ and it carried the previous Lioness to victory on a wave of glittery goodwill.
Kaz bought additional than any footballer in Strictly historical past, turning into the primary to succeed in the semi-final, not to mention the ultimate. But after beginning strongly with that leaderboard-topping week one jive, she had an up-and-down contest. She topped the scores thrice, positive, however completed as little as tenth and got here backside as soon as. Nevertheless, her big reputation with viewers meant she all the time prevented the dreaded dance-off.
The Brummie powerhouse shocked herself as a lot as viewers. She was open about struggling together with her posture and body resulting from her spinal situation, however below the light steering of professional companion Carlos Gu, she steadily improved and blossomed within the ballroom. Quick-paced, sharp-footed dances have been her energy however she realized to marry this with management, softness and storytelling. At all times dedicated, she educated onerous and went all in. Within the course of, she regained her confidence, found freedom in dance and palpably relished feeling like a part of a crew for the primary time since her enjoying days.
Karen got here into this remaining in prime kind, having scored six 10s within the semi-final and topping the leaderboard. She duly danced to victory, drpping simply three factors throughout with three firecracker routines. In addition to displaying severe grit, Kaz does down as one of the crucial gracious and grateful Strictly champions in reminiscence. Even in her second of glory, she took care to thank everybody. Generally it’s an anti-climax when the bookies’ favorite wins. Right here it was nothing however a pleasure to look at.
The Golden Glitterballs: grand remaining version
Who wants the correct trophy when there’s our coveted liveblog baubles to win? Listed below are the final gong-getters of the sequence…
Greatest dance: Karen’s Peaky Blinders Argentine tango and George’s showdance have been the standouts.
Worst dance: Nothing scored beneath 37 so “worst” is a stretch however Amber’s showdance – all lifts and little dancing – didn’t do it for me.
Greatest music alternative: Crimson Proper Hand.
Worst music alternative: Among the megamixes have been a bit Stars On 45 (up to date reference there).
Greatest outfit: Amber’s showdance corset or Alexis’ waltz frock.
Worst outfit: George’s sparkly athleisure for his showdance or Nikita’s complete wardrobe, which appeared to have been delivered to us by Tom Of Finland.
Greatest VT: Karen Carney’s have been genuinely affecting.
Worst VT: Amber’s luvvie-ish gushing not a lot. They have been even soundtracked by Dido at one level.
Greatest judges’ remark: Beloved Craig getting emotional however the prize goes to Anton arriving for his George masterclass: “I do know, it’s like a dream however it’s actually me!”
Greatest Claudia quip: “Hurry up, babe, it’s Christmas Day,” when Nikita rambled on. Or the “Hats down!” skit. Legendary.
Don’t watch that, watch this
TV viewers can now keep on BBC1 for Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel or flip to ITV1 for The 1% Membership Christmas Particular. If quizzes aren’t your factor however 80s pop is, it’s Insanity Evening on BBC2 or Boy George & Tradition Membership on Sky Arts.
For those who’re within the temper for a pre-Christmas movie, I can suggest Die Exhausting (9.10pm on Channel 4), Planes, Trains & Cars (9.10pm on Sky Showcase), To Die For (10pm on That’s TV), Nightmare Alley (11.10pm on Film4) or Looper (11.25pm on Legend). I’m not a pervert, I’m a man who needs to get dwelling!
Credit roll
For the final time ever (maintain me!), a tearful Tess and Claud snuggle up, sway and inform us to “Keeeeeep dancing!”. Move the sparkly field of tissues and please stick with us for evaluation, response and a round-up of your grand remaining knowledge.
Glitter cannons hearth! Sparks fly! Confetti falls! They hoist that “tasteful” trophy aloft! Tears a-plenty, primarily from Carlos. Let’s hope Claud is poised with an extra-absorbent jacket sleeve.
So there we’ve got it. Real disbelief in her eyes, Karen Carney turns into the twenty third Strictly Come Dancing champion in Tess and Claudia’s farewell sequence. Her professional companion Carlos Gu wins the coveted title in his second remaining.
Karen Carney is the 2025 champion
To widespread jubilation within the ballroom, ex-Lioness Kaz and her professional companion Carolso Gu are introduced because the winners.
Glitterball winner about to be revealed
The votes have been counted and verified. Hear that, Tommy Bosh? Time for tension-building… lengthy… pauses…. as we uncover who’s the brand new Strictly champion. And the winner is…
![[Win 11&Office 2019] 14″ Rose Gold FHD IPS Display Ultra-Thin Laptop, Celeron J4125 (2.0-2.7GHz), 8GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB SSD, 180° Opening, 2xUSB3.0, WIFI/BT, Perfect for Travel, Study and Work (P1TB)](https://i3.wp.com/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71CzO7Oc8jL._AC_SL1500_.jpg?w=300&resize=300,300&ssl=1)
