Strictly viewers divided as Karen Carney wins 2025 series: 'Absolutely gutted'
It also marked Tess and Claudia's final live show!Karen Carney was crowned this year’s winner of Strictly Come Dancing tonight (December 20), and viewers were left with divided opinions.
On Saturday night, West End performer Amber Davies, social media personality George Clarke and former Lioness Karen Carney performed in the final. The judges gave their scores as usual. However, it did not impact the public vote.
As Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman presented the hit BBC show for the very last time, they announced at the end of the episode that Karen and her dance partner Carlos Gu were this year’s winners of the 23rd series.
The pair were overwhelmed by the result and shared a huge, passionate hug. Carlos thanked Karen for “being so incredible this whole journey” and for “changing his life”.
Strictly fans react to Carlos and Karen winning
With tough competition, fans immediately reacted to Karen and Carlos’ victory.
“Ah, well deserved to Karen and Carlos. She’s amazing, to be fair,” one user wrote on X.
“And the crowd goes wild! Karen and Carlos, the right result,” another person shared.
“Can’t complain about that result! Absolutely fabulous,” a third remarked.
“Goes to show how popular football is in this country. Well done, Kaz and Carlos,” a fourth said.
“The right winners,” a fifth expressed.
‘Absolutely gutted for George’
Meanwhile, many were hoping for George and his dance partner Alexis Warr to win.
“You’ve gotta be joking,” one declared.
“GEORGE WAS ROBBED,” another insisted.
“Disappointed. Was hoping for George and Alexis,” a third remarked.
“I actually thought George was best tonight, so I was shocked he didn’t win,” a fourth said.
“Absolutely gutted for George, he deserved it so much,” a fifth added.
“Every poll had George as the clear winner. The most rigged show,” another insisted.
On Christmas Day (December 25), Strictly will return for its Christmas special, which was pre-recorded this month.
