Key events
Thank you and a glittery goodnight (for now)
Phew, my sequin-spangled friends. What a final. What a worthy winner. That concludes tonight’s livebloggery-pokery but thanks for being such wise, witty, wonderful company all series.
Don’t go getting dance withdrawal symptoms just yet. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman take their final bow in the Christmas Special at 5.30pm on Christmas Day. There won’t be a full liveblog because, probably like you, I’ll be face down in a pile of Paxo and pigs-in-blankets. However, we will publish an article and have an open comments thread, so our sparkly community can discuss the action live and wish each other a glittery Christmas. Please rejoin us then for festive fabulosity .
In the meantime, I’m @michaelhogan on the platform formerly known as Twitter and @michaelhogan100 pretty much everywhere else, so please feel free to say hi and give me a follow. I post TV and film recommendations for every evening, much like those on these blogs.
Thanks for watching along with me this year. It’s been a blast again. Merry Strictmas, a lindyhoppy New Year and hope to see you on Christmas Day. In the meantime, for the final time this series: keeeeeep dancing! Nighty night and stay sparkly.
Furry Christmas and a Waggy New Year
Finally, a couple of self-indulgent comments from you lovely people. sweetiepudding says: “We thought BTL would never be the same without Queen Heidi. We were wrong. Michael is doing a great job and it will be the same for SCD and new presenters. I want La Voix. Please pray that we get neither Alan Carr nor Rylan.”
paperview adds: “Michael (Sparklemeister Supreme), one of the unintended consequences of your fabbo Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency book (which I recommend to everyone) is that I’m going to get myself a nice middle-aged, companionable dog from a rescue agency in the New Year. Your book reminded me how much I missed having a dog . It’ll make me a happier, healthier person. I won’t be investigating any murders, though. I live in South East London and there’s only so much I can afford in bus fares to visit crime scenes.”
Paperview, thank you. This is the greatest review I could ever imagine. Best of luck to you and your prospective new arrival.
One last reminder before I disappear back up the cyber-chimney that my debut novel, The Dogwalkers’ Detective Agency, makes an ideal stocking filler or Secret Santa gift for anyone who loves dogs, cosy crime, jokes and seaside towns. Still five days to get your paws on it before Christmas. Maxi-thanks for all the kind comments about it so far (and for tolerating my frankly undignified plugging).
On our glitterball winners, KarimaKat says: “Winning in those little glittery shorts, camp and excellent!!”
Agit8 says: “Hooray! The right result. Karen embodies the original ethos of SCD – someone who excelled in their chosen field but totally out of their comfort zone as a dancer and performer who nevertheless grew to shine on the dancefloor. Inspirational! So delighted for her and Carlos. It takes the sting out of Lewis and Katya’s premature exit.”
EmmyHarb says: “When Lewis went, I wasn’t sure if the final would feel as special as usual but it was joyous. Lovely fitting tributes to Tess and Claud. A worthy winner in Karen who manages to be both feisty and gracious in equal measure.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “Some people are on the dancefloor. They think it’s all over. It is now!”
On tonight’s musical guests, Bigted1980 says: “5ive look like a Reform council.”
LekisP says: “Well, it was all rather lovely until Five came on and totally killed the mood. Was this really the best turn they could get for the final?”
Jennifera030 adds: “I happened to see 5ive fairly recently. At the time, I wasn’t aware I knew more than one of their songs but it was one of the funniest and most exhausting nights of my life. We didn’t stop dancing for an hour.”
On the Class of 2025 group dance, Gardener_Maidhc says: “Lewis, you were robbed. Amazing! Yay, Bal and lovely Julian.”
Somersetlass says: “The group dance is pure joy. There were some wonderful contestants this year. Love seeing them all back, but especially Alex, Ellie, Jimmy and La Voix – and of course our beloved Bal.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “I was slightly disappointed that they didn’t revisit the old HIGNFY episode for the returning celebrities dance by getting Amy to walk onto the floor holding a tub of lard.”
On the showdances, Heartticker says: “I thought Amber’s showdance would have been spectacular but there was something missing. Her Couple’s Choice last week was more like a showdance in my opinion.”
Somersetlass says: “Meh – I didn’t enjoy Amber and Nikita’s showdance as much as I expected to. I could see the skill, but there was too much posing and not enough flow for me.”
Phoebe says: “Well, that looked like a weight-lifting session at the gym for Nikita. Not much dancing, just different liftings of Amber. Impressive as they were, it was not a ‘dance’ in my book… We had a weightlifting demonstration from Amber and Nikit, then an aerobics class from Karen and Carlos. Lots of energy but again not enough dancing for me, sadly.”
lester48 says: “Amazing lifts from George, like a professional.”
MsChuffy says: “I mean, that start was Michaelangelo’s ‘the creation of man’ in dance form. Insane. It ‘felt’ so good- a nice combo of everything George has learned.”
SparklingDormouse says: “Enjoyed Karen’s showdance. Less tricks and more dancing than others, but not keen on the outfits and a bit of an athletic workout.”
diamondcat says: “Kaz looked as if she was having an absolute ball. So lovely to see her enjoying herself and a showdance that was mostly dancing rather than tricks.”
loubylou99 adds: “Kaz and Carlos’ showdance had the most dance content and the least tricks. Loved it!! And their outfits.”
On Karen Carney, Poppieshen says: “That. Was. Good. Kaz and Carlos’ Peaky tango was even better than last time.”
Jennifera030 says: “That was great. Familiarity doesn’t always breed contempt. Karen has amazingly fast legs. I wish I had seen her in her playing days, she must have been deadly.”
Canterbury345 says: “Love that from Kaz and Carlos. Really has the sense of the original tango between men on the streets. It’s like a battle in dance.”
MartGray says: “Wow, the difference in confidence in Karen between week pne and now. And Carlos is soooo brilliant, he reminds me of the great Lionel Blair (Give Us a Gu!).”
LekisP says: “Good on you, Karen. Such sharp kicks and flicks and literally jumping for joy at the end. Fantastic.”
Gardener_Maidhc says: “The return of Carlos’ incredible glitter micro shorts jive legs. Still love this song, so glad that despite the theme, they have dance shoes on. An incredible dance with such a happy vibe. Loved seeing that again!”
DochkiMateri adds: Now give that glitterball to CARLOS for the greatest journey of all.”
On George Clarke, VelvetinaB says: “Beautiful Viennese waltz. He really improved and made it look so effortless. Could have done without that weirdly ‘raunchy’ part near the very end, spoils the elegance of the rest of the dance.”
YodaknowsAll says: “George really presented his partner well in that dance. Great footwork as well. Exquisite.”
Canterbury1 says: “I ain’t no expert but I thought George and Alexis’s dance was GORGEOUS!!! It was just exquisite, such charm and elegance.”
LegTheory says: “George did well and these masterclasses really work. Wasn’t a ten, though.”
mutterful says: “Breathtaking! George and Alexis deserve all my votes. The only couple to whip up some emotion in my cold, cynical heart.”
emilyscatnaps says: “For such an apparently reserved and softly spoken man, George gives excellent paso energy. Not surprised they picked that for their favourite dance. Brilliant!”
Phoebe adds: “George has a controlled elegance of movement and shaping in this paso. For a true beginner, he has made such excellent progress in tackling every style of dance. I am impressed by his improvement and would like to see him win.”
On Amber Davies, joanieloves says: “Still find Nikita’s outfit quite disturbing but a great start from Amber.”
Lidoswimmer says: “Nikita back in his suburban swingers’ party outfi. Pass the cheese ‘n’ pineapple hedgehog.”
gladarvor says: “It was nice to see Shirley give a masterclass. Genuinely feels like it made a difference. That paso from Amber was awesome, and one of the rare occasions when a non-paso song works very well.”
MollyintheFolly says: “I’ve noticed this before but if they ever film Shirley’s life story, Amber could totally play her!”
Somersetlass says: “Oooh, a proper powerful, passionate paso from Amber and Nikita. Beautiful arms, and some real fire. I bet that halter of Nikita’s chafes, mind you.”
SparklingDormouse says: “Amber seemed to come alive in that showdance. I haven’t felt the joy from her as I do the other two through the weeks. Felt the joy then! However, I agree with Craig – just too many tricks and not enough movement for my taste.”
emilyscatnaps says: “Well done. Amber. There’s no denying you’re a fantastic dancer, and have given us some of the best performances we’ve seen!
VelvetinaB says: “Fantastic jive from Amber and Nikita. I just love the syncopated start – very original for Strictly. I think she has really let go (as much as she can) this evening as she doesn’t really have to impress anyone and her dancing is better for it.”
Strictlylounging adds: “Very dignified from Amber, knowing she won’t win and rooting for the other two. Very classy woman, particularly with some of the appalling hateful comments she’s experienced.”
ReclinedPotato says: “Between Tess’s last judging panel and Carlos’ confession, I’m an absolute wreck. As a stubborn assh*le myself for many years, this year I decided to let people in and show some kindness to the world. It has come back to me as the most wonderful experience of love and generosity, I could never have imagined. Let love in for the win!”
fihema says: “Oh Carlos, we’ve all learnt to love you this season. Carlos has changed from being the star – or trying to be the star – to making the star shine. Which has made him shine. Something about when the tide rises, everything rises? I have discovered that I really admire Carlos, this season. Can’t wait to see him next year. It’s just a shame Karen won’t be with him.”
Your final feedback
Here’s a rapidfire round-up of your climactic comments. lester48 says: “Dave Arch and the singers are nailing it, as they normally do. Dave, you’re a superstar.”
paperview says: “I’m really enjoying the judges stepping out from behind the desk and doing these tutorials. It’s good to be reminded that they really do know their stuff when it comes to dancing.”
fihema says: “Tess and Claud, Claud and Tess, if you read this, there is no way Strictly is ever going to be the same without you. You have brought full glitter, sparkle and shine to the show with your girl power, wit, friendship, professionalism, spontaneity and sheer talent. Such a hard act to follow and impossible to imitate. Thank you.”
Lidoswimmer says: “Claud must have industrial-strength waterproof eye make-up.”
MikeMoonlight adds: “Claudia has ‘keep dancing’ written on the back of her jacket. Here’s hoping that Tess staggers on to the floor with a bottle of vodka at the end of the show, wearing a jacket with ‘I Don’t Really Care About Your Little face, Do You?’ written on the back.”
Eventful series, if maybe not an all-time classic
So ends the 23rd series of the ballroom behemoth. It proved one of the most injury-plagued, with two pre-series withdrawals (Kristian Nairn and Dani Dyer) and two mid-series crocked celebs (Stefan Dennis and La Voix). Alex Kingston’s exit was also injury-related, with her movement affected by a dislocated rib. It all meant some hasty rejigging, with couples getting byes and no elimination in Blackpool – where we apparently almost lost head judge Shirley Ballas to a fish bone fatality.
There were format innovations like the hilariously chaotic Instant Dance challenge and Musical Week’s Dance Relay. Cynthia Erivo returned as a guest judge with serious star power, while Icons Week cemented its place as a regular fixture. Meanwhile, Thomas Skinner caused controversy from start to finish, despite being booted out at the first opportunity.
We saw some remarkably high-standard hoofing, mainly from Karen Carney, Amber Davies and Lewis Cope, but the likes of Alex Kingston and George Clarke had their moments too. Some celebrities were knocked out too early (Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Ellie Goldstein and Vicky Pattison for me, not to mention Lewis). Meanwhile, Balvinder Sopal became an unexpected dance-off destroyer, surviving a record-breaking five eliminators.
A solid series will probably be best remembered as the one where Tess and Claudia made their bombshell announcement and fevered speculation about their potential replacements began. The closing of a chapter. Now we wait to see what the next one brings. Either way, it should be a fascinating 2026.
Keep dancing, Tess and Claud
As presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s last live show, this was a momentous evening in the BBC ballroom. The end of an era. Tess has been there right from the start, clocking up 23 series in 21 years and more than 500 shows. Claudia is no slouch herself, having co-hosted for 15 years and clocking up more than 300 shows. It’s hard to imagine the pro-celebrity hoof-athon without them.
We had tissues at the ready yet this didn’t feel like a leaving do for the beloved duo. For Tess and Claud, admirably, the show has always been about the couples. They wouldn’t have wanted to make tonight about them and overshadow the finalists. Wisely, they got their send-off in last week’s semi-final. The judges paid chin-wobbly tribute and Craig read out a touching telegram from the actual Queen, but the pair still moved the spotlight straight back onto the contestants.
Besides, they will make their last screen appearance on the prerecorded Christmas Day special. I’m reliably informed this will see both get leaving gifts. No spoilers but it might involve Aljaž Škorjanec and Dave Arch. We’ll save our full tributes until then but what total lynchpins and all-round legends they’ve been. Their replacements have yet to be announced but theirs are big sparkly stilettos to fill.
A reader writes
An email about the judges’ marking just in from Lynne:
I find that Craig’s comments are almost always valid, despite the childish booing whenever he tries to give notes. But what I don’t understand is when he gives wholly positive comments but then gives a 9. If he’s going to mark lower, he needs to say why.
Thank you for all your commentary during this series which has given a lot of pleasure. Hope to see you commentating in 2026.
Carlos came into his own
Whatever the result tonight, we would’ve had a first-time pro champion. Utah-born Alexis Warr seriously impressed in her debut series and looks to be a strong addition to the Strictly ranks.
You also have to feel sorry for Ukrainian pro Nikita Kuzmin. For the second time in three years, he partnered the most technically gifted finalist – Layton Williams in 2023, Amber Davies this time – but was beaten to the glitterball.
However, it was lovely to see Shanghai-born Latin champion Carlos Gu get his moment. As an empathetic and sensitive partner to Karen Carney, he’s truly come into his own this series. Carlos came runner-up in his debut series with Molly Rainford and reached the quarter-final with Angela Scanlon but Kaz seemed to teach him as much as he taught her. He grew almost as much as she did, touchingly confessing that he’d become a better dancer and a better person since partnering her.
Kaz clearly adored him and let him do his thing, happy to take a back seat as he became emotional with pride. Claudia Winkleman has helped Carlos dry his eyes many times this series. She will need an even bigger, more absorbent sleeve to wipe away his happy tears tonight.
