After weeks of high-intensity routines, eliminations and online debate, Strictly Come Dancing reaches its grand final tonight. Only three celebrity contestants remain from the original 15, with Amber Davies, George Clarke and Karen Carney competing for the glitterball trophy.
This year’s final carries deeper emotion than usual. Longtime presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host their last Strictly final before stepping down at the end of the current series, ending a presenting era that spans more than two decades.
The grand finale airs tonight at 19:00 GMT on BBC One and iPlayer.
Three couples prepare for final routines
Each finalist will perform three dances: a judges’ pick, a show dance, and their favorite routine from the season.
Amber Davies & Nikita Kuzmin
Showdance: “Rain On Me” – Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande
Judges’ Pick: Paso Doble – “Dream On” by Aerosmith
Favourite Dance: Jive – “Proud Mary”
George Clarke & Alexis Warr
Showdance: “Human” – The Killers
Judges’ Choice: Viennese Waltz – “Somebody to Love” by Queen
Favourite Dance: Paso Doble – “Game of Survival” by Ruelle
Karen Carney & Carlos Gu
Showdance: “Inner Smile” – Texas
Judges’ Pick: Argentine Tango – “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Favourite Dance: Jive – “One Way Or Another” by Blondie
The finalists say nerves and excitement are building, with judges expected to deliver detailed scores and critiques. However, viewer votes solely determine tonight’s winner.
Amber Davies responds to dance experience controversy
Davies — a Love Island alum with a musical theatre résumé — has faced criticism online for having a perceived advantage. She acknowledged the debate but said she has worked as hard as the other contestants.
“I can appreciate where the comments come from,” she told journalists, noting that the emotional connection with audiences has outweighed negativity.
Strictly audiences have long debated fairness when contestants arrive with performing arts backgrounds. Similar backlash has surfaced in past seasons involving actors and singers with dance training.
An unlikely football finalist
Former Lioness Karen Carney’s historic run has inspired fans. She is the first professional footballer to reach a Strictly final. She admitted the achievement feels surreal but described Strictly as transformative as she rebuilt confidence post-retirement.
“This is by far the happiest I’ve ever been,” she said.
Social media stars enter the spotlight
Content creator George Clarke said competing on Strictly pushed him outside his comfort zone. His appearance follows increased crossover between social influencers and primetime television, including AngryGinge’s win on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! this year.
A farewell for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
The presenters shocked fans in October by announcing their departure. Daly joined Strictly at launch 21 years ago, while Winkleman became co-host in 2014.
Their final Strictly appearance will be the Christmas special airing December 25. Contestants and fans say emotions will likely run high during tonight’s final.
How to watch and vote
The finale streams live on BBC One, iPlayer and the BBC News live page. Voting is online-only and opens during the show. Judges’ scores are advisory only and will not combine with viewer votes.
