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Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are presenting their final show as the remaining three couples battle it out for the Glitterball Trophy
Ellie Muir & Rachel McGrathSaturday 20 December 2025 21:01 GMT- Bookmark
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CloseKaren Carney lands the first 40 of the Strictly final
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After three months of shimmering dance routines, plenty of injuries and many tears, the Strictly Come Dancing grand final is here.
The show’s legendary hosting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are delivering their final live show before stepping down, while celebrities Karen Carney, Amber Davies and George Clarke compete for the Glitterball trophy.
Each couple is dancing three times, including a Showdance, as well as revisiting their favourite routine from the series and a judges’ pick.
The audience’s votes alone decide which couple walk away as champions, as the judges’ scores are purely for guidance.
The 2025 celebrity cast - including Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Chris Robshaw and Vicky Pattison - are also reuniting for a group routine.
But one contestant is absent: controversial Apprentice star Thomas Skinner will not make an appearance after he alleged that the BBC rigged his voting figures on the show. Skinner has said he is seeking legal advice.
Presenters Daly and Winkleman announced in autumn that they were leaving the programme because it “feels like the right time”. Their last episode will be the pre-recorded Christmas special.
Follow along with our live updates, below...
Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final
- Here are some of the front-runners who could replace Tess and Claudia as hosts
- Karen Carney lands the first 40 of the final
- George Clarke's showdance leaves judge in tears
- Professionals surprise Claudia Winkleman as voting opens
- Anton Du Beke's tribute leaves Tess Daly in tears
- Watch: Carlos Gu breaks down as he makes show admission
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman receive a royal surprise
Strictly staff and fans pay tribute to Tess and Claudia - before a royal message
This is properly lovely. The round-up of the series’ best moments is ending with a tribute to Tess and Claud, from fans and people who work on the show.
“Tess and Claudia are more than just the hosts of this show,” said one staff member.
“It’s going to be so strange not to have them here,” said another.
“What a partnership,” added Mary Berry. Actual Mary Berry!
They’ve now cut back to Tess and Claud, who are in tears.
But they’ve been interrupted by Craig! He’s reading a letter - from the Queen!!
“Dear Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week. Yours has been the best Strictly partnership of all.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. With warmest gratitude, Queen Camilla.” Amazing.
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 21:00Watch: Carlos Gu in floods of tears as he makes show admission
The tears have been well and truly flowing tonight. This was a really unexpected moment earlier from the lovely Carlos...
Strictly’s Carlos Gu breaks down in tears after show confession as Claudia Winkleman rushes to comfort himRachel McGrath20 December 2025 20:51Strictly Class of 2025 reunite for group dance
The whole cast of 2025 are back now for a group dance. Well, almost all of them.
Tom ‘Bosh’ Skinner has decided not to take part which is actually a shame, as this is always such a lovely moment.
Rachel McGrath120 December 2025 20:50Watch: Anton Du Beke's tribute leaves Tess Daly in tears
It’s an emotional one this evening! Here’s the moment when Anton’s tribute left host Tess Daly in floods of tears...
Anton Du Beke bids farewell to Tess Daly as the host is reduced to tearsRachel McGrath20 December 2025 20:45Karen Carney finishes with a perfect score
Here are the judges’ comments for Karen...
Motsi: “I’ve been trying to be so composed today and I gave it my best, but you got me with this one. This was amazing. You were incredible.”
Shirley: “Karen, I’d like to invite you to my world of competitors and you can teach them. She gave you a bit of a run for your money there, Carlos. You are the ultimate. You are fantastic.”
Anton: “Wow. To end as we began. What wonderful symmetry. I think that dance sums you up. The whole place got up. You involve everybody in what you do. I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed watching you.”
He then turned his attention to the presenter, adding: “I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved Tess, spending 21 years with you.” Tess is now in tears, as are all of the judges!
Craig: “I’m here to ruin the mood, darling. I can think of a Lord Byron quote to sum you up, ‘Let joy be unconfined.’ That’s what you bring to the dancefloor.”
Turning to Tess again, he added: “We’re going to miss you like you won’t believe.”
And everyone in the Clauditorium is in tears too. And everyone in this living room (it’s just me).
And the scores are in - it’s a perfect 40!
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 20:42Karen Carney closes the show with a jive
If this doesn't show how far Karen has come, then I don't know what will.
The former England star is redoing her week one jive to "One Way or Another".
The routine was sensational and hinted at what was to come from Karen. It scored 31 - very respectable for week one - but this is *loads* better now. What a way to finish!
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 20:34George finishes with near-perfect score
Here are the judges’ comments for George...
Craig: “So much better. Better shaping. It was more focused. A vast improvement. Congratulations. I loved it.”
Motsi: “The first time you did this dance, I said you’re going to go far in this competition and we saw it tonight. This was amazing and I could feel the power.”
Shirley: “You started on your own, all focused and concentrated. It was like it wqas jus tthe two of you in the room. Spectacular.”
Anton: “All of your dances have been super, super strong. You look like a dancer. You’re a joy to watch. You’re the loveliest boy. I’ve got an eight-year-old at home and if he turns out like you, I’ll be proud.”
George’s scores are in... 9, 10, 10 and 10 - a total of 39.
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 20:30George ends his Strictly journey with a Paso Doble
George and Alexis's couple's pick for the final is their Paso Doble - which will surely be a distant memory, as they first performed it in week two.
This has definitely improved a *lot*. Before tonight’s final, I had Karen down as the likely winner but I think George may well have stolen the show tonight?!
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 20:25Watch: Pros don Claudia wigs as the voting opens
Here’s a highlight from earlier, which saw the professionals pay tribute to Claud as the voting opened...
Strictly cast sport Claudia Winkleman wigs as voting opens for the final timeRachel McGrath20 December 2025 20:22Amber's jive lands a perfect score
Aww, the audience are on their feet and Amber’s family are in tears!
Here are the judges’ comments...
Anton: “It was even better the second time. I’d like to say congratulations to you. You’re an extraordinary talent, I’m delighted that we’ve been able to share in this and watch you dance.”
Craig: “Definitely as good as it was last time. I’m just sad that’s the last time I get to see you dance for free. Absolutely brilliant.”
Motsi: “I just want to say thank you. You stepped in last minute and you have been giving us extraordinary dances the whole run-through, with the noise going on outside.”
Shirley: “You have put your magical dust all over this show. Bright lights of Broadway, bright lights of the West End. Nothing ruffles your feathers. Well done.”
Amber is in floods of tears now too and I’m not far off, to be honest.
Here are the scores... 10, 10, 10 and 10 - she’s finished on a perfect 40.
Rachel McGrath20 December 2025 20:20Newer1 / 5OlderMore about
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