The tension was palpable as the final contenders for the Glitterball Trophy were revealed. After a grueling competition, three couples now stand poised to claim victory on the dance floor: Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu.
Karen Carney’s journey to the final is particularly remarkable. The celebrated footballer delivered a breathtaking waltz to Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time” during the semi-final, a performance so moving it brought her to tears even before the judges’ scores were revealed.
Her success shatters a long-standing pattern. Historically, footballers haven’t fared well on *Strictly Come Dancing*. Paul Merson, Tony Adams, and David James all saw their hopes dashed before reaching Blackpool. Alex Scott’s fifth-place finish in 2018 remains the best result achieved by a former professional player.
Carney is now the first athlete to reach the final since cricketer Mark Ramprakash lifted the trophy in 2006, and the first footballer ever to make it this far. She’s defied expectations, fueled by a dream she once believed unattainable.
“I dreamed about being on *Strictly*, and I thought it would never come true,” Carney confessed. “I’ve watched this competition for so many years, and I’ve loved it. I feel gifted and honoured to be in it.” Despite knowing the historical struggles of footballers on the show, she remained focused on her own performance.
The final will also mark a poignant farewell for longtime hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who are concluding their 20-year partnership. A heartfelt tribute, including a montage of cherished moments and personal messages from the judges, brought Winkleman to tears during a recent celebration.
Judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse honored the duo with a nostalgic look back at their years together, beginning with Daly’s early days alongside the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth. The final promises not only a thrilling competition but also a deeply emotional goodbye.
The grand finale of *Strictly Come Dancing* 2025 will air next Saturday, promising a spectacular conclusion to a season filled with dazzling performances and unforgettable moments.
