The sparkle of the glitterball trophy hangs in the balance as three extraordinary stars gear up for the ultimate showdown in this year's Strictly Come Dancing finale—it's a moment that promises tears, triumph, and maybe a few surprises that could change how you view the show forever.
Just hours ago, Noor Nanji, our dedicated culture correspondent at BBC News, captured the buzz surrounding the event with insights that dive deep into the drama. After grueling weeks of choreography, lifts, and live performances, only three duos stand tall from the initial lineup of 15: celebrities Amber Davies, George Clarke, and Karen Carney, each dreaming of hoisting that coveted trophy. And let's not forget, this marks the final curtain for hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who revealed in a heartfelt announcement that they're stepping away after this series, passing the baton to new voices.
Tune in this Saturday at 19:00 GMT on BBC One and iPlayer to witness the magic unfold.
Amber Davies is adamant she's deserved her spot in the spotlight, and her words are sparking conversations across the board.
One of the hottest topics buzzing ahead of the big night revolves around whether Amber Davies' prior performance experience gives her an undue leg up over the competition. As a Love Island alum and accomplished actress, she's graced the stages of West End hits like Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby, plus she dazzled in the 16th season of Dancing on Ice. This background has ignited online criticism, with fans debating if it's unfair to the others.
But here's where it gets controversial—Amber addressed the chatter directly at a recent Strictly press conference, telling BBC News and fellow reporters that she understands the skepticism. 'I recognize my experience sets me apart from these talented finalists,' she explained, nodding toward George and Karen. 'Yet, I stand by it: the passion behind my journey overshadows any negativity.' When probed about her worthiness for victory, the star, partnered with Nikita Kuzmin, emphasized her grit: 'I've poured in the same effort as everyone else to make it here—I've battled hard to earn my place.'
This debate might just reflect a broader trend on Strictly, where fans sometimes form opinions that clash with judges' critiques or public votes. Think of it like this: viewers often root for the underdog, valuing the thrill of an unexpected win over polished skills. For instance, earlier this season, Lewis Cope faced flak for his child actor days in Billy Elliot, and last year, JB Gill drew heat for his previous dancing gigs with JLS. Yet, these moments highlight how personal biases can shape our enjoyment of the show, sometimes overshadowing the sheer talent on display.
And this is the part most people miss—the show's magic often lies in those 'against all odds' stories, like when blind contestant Chris McCausland claimed last year's crown, proving that determination can outshine any preconceived notions.
For Karen Carney, landing in the final as the first footballer ever feels surreal, but she's embracing it with pride. 'It's bizarre to see a footballer like me in the mix,' she shared during the press event. As a former England Lioness paired with Carlos Gu, she's battled self-doubt in recent times but credits the show with reigniting her joy: 'Deep down, I sensed Strictly would heal my confidence... and it's made me happier than I've been in years.' It's a touching reminder of how dance can transform lives, turning challenges into celebrations.
Social media sensation George Clarke calls his journey 'utterly mind-blowing.' 'This is worlds apart from my usual online adventures,' he admitted. With another digital star, AngryGinge, recently winning I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, we're seeing social influencers dominate major TV contests, potentially ushering in a new era for mainstream entertainment. 'It feels like we're tapping into an audience that hasn't been fully celebrated on big screens,' Clarke noted, dancing alongside Alexis Warr.
The finalists are set to deliver a triple threat of dances: revisiting a past routine, unveiling a spectacular show dance, and performing their personal favorite from the series.
Here's the lineup:
Amber and Nikita
* Showdance to 'Rain On Me' by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande
* Judges' Pick - Paso Doble to 'Dream On' by Aerosmith
* Favourite Dance - Jive to 'Proud Mary'
George and Alexis
* Showdance to 'Human' by The Killers
* Judges' Choice - Viennese Waltz to 'Somebody to Love' by Queen
* Favourite Dance - Paso Doble to 'Game of Survival' by Ruelle
Karen and Carlos
* Showdance to 'Inner Smile' by Texas
* Judges' Pick - Argentine Tango to 'Red Right Hand' by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
* Favourite Dance - Jive to 'One Way Or Another' by Blondie
Additional highlights include a collective performance by the professional dancers and this year's finalists. The 2025 cast will reunite for a final group number, though Apprentice hopeful Thomas Skinner won't be joining, as per BBC News sources.
Catch the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 grand final live on BBC One and iPlayer at 19:00 GMT this Saturday. For those preferring digital viewing, it's also streaming on the BBC News website's live page, complete with pre-show hype, insider looks at the choreography, costume dazzle, and judges' feedback.
Voting is now exclusively online, giving fans even more power. Head to the official site to cast your ballot when the window opens—remember, judges' scores are merely suggestions; the public's choice reigns supreme.
Last weekend's semi-final set the bar sky-high, with spoilers ahead: Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin maintained their flawless streak, Karen Carney's Waltz moved Anton Du Beke to tears, and George Clarke wowed with his rhythmic flair. Ultimately, Balvinder Sopal and Caillon exited after a tense dance-off against Davies and Kuzmin.
Tess and Claudia are bowing out gracefully after announcing their departure in October, catching even the stars off guard. Daly has anchored the show since its debut 21 years back, while Winkleman has been a mainstay since 2014, after years on It Takes Two. They'll host their final Christmas special on December 25, and they hinted at getting emotional on It Takes Two.
This series has been packed with plot twists, but it's also faced real-world challenges. In November, an unconnected former star was arrested on suspicion of rape, following a similar incident in August involving another individual linked to the program. These events prompted the BBC to enhance safety protocols last year, introducing chaperones for rehearsals to protect participants.
Strictly Come Dancing has always been about joy and competition, yet these controversies raise important questions about accountability in entertainment. Do you believe past experience unfairly tips the scales, or does hard work trump all? Should social media stars be celebrated for broadening TV's appeal, or does it sideline traditional talents? And how do off-stage issues impact our view of the on-screen glamour? Let's discuss in the comments—agree, disagree, or share your own takes!
