Strictly Come Dancing was hit by a fresh blow on Sunday, as ratings for the 2025 final were revealed.
The live final saw ex-footballer Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu crowned champions after beating George Clarke and Amber Davies.
Despite this year’s very glitzy lineup, it wasn’t enough to bring in the same level of viewership, and the competition saw its finale ratings dip for the fourth year in a row.
Last year, the show peaked at 9.3million viewers, but this year failed to attract as many viewers as it did, peaking at just 8.4million.
In 2023, it was 9.7million, indicating a consistent decline.
Last year’s average audience saw 8.6million tune into the famed show but this year saw 7.6million. In 2023, it was 8.8million.
Strictly Come Dancing was hit by a fresh blow on Sunday, as ratings for the 2025 final were revealed on Sunday
The live final saw ex-footballer Karen Carneyand her partner Carlos Gu crowned champions after beating George Clarke and Amber Davies
Karen was left speechless as she was announced the winner of the 2025 series as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bid goodbye to viewers in an emotional finale.
Each finalist performed three times – a judges’ choice, their show dance and their favourite dance before the winner was declared.
As Tess and Claudia announced she had won, Karen looked in complete shock as she embraced her pro partner, Carlos.
She said: ‘I cannot believe it. I just wanna say thank you to everybody that’s supported our journey, supported us, and, thank you to this wonderful gentleman [Carlos].
‘We are a team, and, I could not have done this without you, but honestly, I can’t believe it, it’s been the biggest privilege and honour, and, I literally, I’m lost for words. I’m so sorry.’
Karen later took to her official Instagram account to thank fans as she held the glitterball trophy firmly in her hands with Carlos.
They said: ‘Hi everybody! We did it!
‘We can’t, I honestly, we can’t believe it, but we just want to say thank you so, so much for all your support, all your votes, all your kind words, it means everything to me and Carlos.
Karen, 38, pipped fellow finalists Amber Davies and George Clarke to the post as she scored 117 from three performances
‘So thank you. Thank you so much.’
Before the result was announced, Tess and Claudia received a special tribute VT after this year’s series highlights were aired.
However, they were left blown away as Craig Revel Horwood read out a special letter from Her Majesty The Queen.
It said: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
‘If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.
‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.
‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’
