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Karen Carney has been crowned the winner of Strictly Come Dancing following tonight's dramatic live final. The Lioness impressed judges and viewers alike with her performances, ultimately securing the Glitterball trophy in a tense public vote. Her victory caps off a spectacular BBC series and marks a memorable end to the hosting era of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. In the end, it was Karen Carney who edged ahead of fellow finalists George Clarke and Amber Davies to lift the Glitterball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing.

The former footballer delivered a hugely consistent final, scoring two perfect 40s and a 37 to finish on a combined total of 117. George finished with the same score of 117, while Amber narrowly topped the leaderboard on 118 across her three routines, leaving the final result firmly in the hands of the public vote. Karen was visibly stunned as the result was announced, while her professional partner Carlos became emotional. Karen said: "I cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everybody that's supported our journey and supported us.

"Thank you to this wonderful gentleman. We are a team and I could not have done this without you."

Carlos added: "Thank you, Karen Carney. I love you. Thank you for being so incredible this whole journey.

"you taught me so much, wer'e two completely different characters we challenge each other but we never gave up on each other and thank you and thank you for changing my life.

"and thank you Strictly and every individual in this room and on and off screen you made this happen and to the boys and girls watching at home - dream big"

The Strictly final was full of emotion but one highlight was when the show briefly halted for a surprise moment that left the ballroom in floods of tears after a message from Buckingham Palace was read out live on air.

Fans at home shared their reaction online. One fan posted on X: "YES, I CRIED." Another penned: "So chuffed for our Kaz- always puts a smile on our face and has shone so bright throughout the show.

"What an amazing ambassador for our club and the city as a whole #KRO Karen Carney is a blue, she's won #strictly."

More chimed in, adding: "I'm so happy that Karen and Carlos has won this year's #Strictly They have been brilliant partnerships throughout this series and I'm happy for Carlos too."

Another emotional moment took place when the final was briefly halted for a surprise message from Buckingham Palace left Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in tears during their last ever show together.

Craig Revel Horwood stopped the show to read out a letter praising the presenting duo, telling them: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as it is about friendships... the warmth, compassion and sheer happiness that you have radiated... has been at the heart of the show's success."

He added: "I think I speak for everyone when I say that you have been utterly fab-u-lous."

The message ended: "Do promise us one thing... Keep dancing!" and was signed by Queen Camilla, sparking a standing ovation.