Fresh from lifting the Glitterball Trophy, Karen Carney has reflected on an unforgettable year after being crowned the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Taking to social media, the former Lioness described the experience as one she will carry with her for life, while her professional partner Carlos Gu told her she had “absolutely smashed it.”
From football legend to Strictly champion
After three intense months of training, rehearsals, and live performances, Karen emerged victorious earlier this month, beating strong competition from finalists George Clarke and Alexis Warr, as well as Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin. Going into the final as a favourite, she delivered under pressure and made history by becoming the first footballer to win the show.
A dramatic and emotional final night
The Strictly 2025 final saw each couple perform three routines in what became one of the most emotional nights in the programme’s history. The evening also marked the final live show hosted by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, outside of the pre-recorded Christmas special.
Karen and Carlos opened with their Judges’ Pick — a powerful Argentine Tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds — earning a perfect score of 40 from Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
They followed with their Showdance to Inner Smile by Texas, which scored an impressive 39 out of 40. Karen later revealed she is friends with the band’s lead singer, Sharleen Spiteri, adding a personal touch to the performance.
Before the public vote opened, the pair revisited their week-one Jive to Blondie’s One Way Or Another as their Favourite Dance. Once again, the judges awarded them a perfect score, sealing their status as frontrunners.
“A year I’ll never forget”
After being crowned winners and lifting the Glitterball Trophy, Karen shared a heartfelt Instagram post on New Year’s Eve, featuring highlights from the past year. The lead image showed Carlos holding her in his arms following their win, alongside moments with friends and fellow celebrities including Balvinder Sopal, Vicky Pattison, and comedian Chris McCausland.
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Captioning the post, Karen wrote:
“A year I’ll never forget for the rest of my life. Thank you to everyone who made it so special. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year and see you in 2026!”
Carlos was quick to respond, commenting:
“You absolutely smashed it!!! What a year alongside you too.”
Praise pours in from fans and famous friends
The comments section quickly filled with messages of congratulations. Actress Balvinder Sopal told Karen she “ate it up,” while former England teammate Jill Scott simply added: “Smashed it.”
Fans also shared their admiration, with one writing that her Strictly win was “the best thing that happened all year,” and another saying it was “a joy watching you.” The England Lionesses account praised Karen’s achievement, encouraging her to be proud of an extraordinary year.
A landmark moment in Strictly history
Karen Carney’s victory has been widely celebrated not just for her performances, but for what it represents — a seamless transition from elite sport to prime-time entertainment, capped by composure, confidence, and consistency on the dance floor.
As Strictly looks ahead to a new era following major changes behind the scenes, Karen’s win will be remembered as one of the standout moments in the show’s history — and, as she says herself, a year she will truly never forget.
