The Strictly Come Dancing final is upon us, and it's stirring up more buzz and debate than a last-minute dance-off in the spotlight! As the glitterball trophy hangs in the balance, fans are divided on whether experience gives one finalist an edge over the others. But here's where it gets controversial: Is a performing arts background a fair boost, or does it undermine the spirit of the show? Let's dive into the drama, the dances, and the dazzling details of this year's championship showdown.
1.
Amber Davies confidently declares she's deserved her spot in the final, posted at 18:45 GMT
Noor Nanji
Culture correspondent
Image source, BBC/PA
A major topic buzzing in the lead-up to the big night involves whether Amber Davies' professional dance and performance history provides her with an undue leg up on the competition. The Love Island alum has encountered significant online criticism (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20gdy5kxd0o), with viewers highlighting her prior roles in West End productions like Pretty Woman, 9 to 5: The Musical, and The Great Gatsby, plus her participation in the 16th season of Dancing on Ice. During a Strictly press gathering this week, she spoke to BBC News and journalists, admitting she understands the source of the remarks. "I've got more background in this realm than these two," she remarked, pointing to her fellow finalists. "I'm not hiding from that fact. That said, the affection for the show truly overshadows the negativity." And this is the part most people miss: In a competition built on passion and perseverance, does raw talent outweigh trained experience? It's a debate that could change how we view reality TV contests forever.
2.
What emotions are the finalists channeling as the live spectacular approaches? Posted at 18:44 GMT
Jamie Whitehead
Live editor
Right now, backstage at Elstree Studios, Karen, Amber, and George are fine-tuning their routines for tonight's televised extravaganza. Our culture correspondent Noor Nanji chatted with the trio earlier in the week about their nerves, excitement, and preparation strategies. Over the coming updates, we'll share their insightful quotes, so keep following along.
3.
Hit the red button to catch the live signing broadcast Posted at 18:33 GMT
Remember, tonight's final comes with sign language interpretation for those who need it. Simply press the red button on your remote or look up Signed: Strictly Come Dancing on BBC iPlayer to access it.
4.
Where can you tune in for tonight's performance? Posted at 18:27 GMT
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the show live—watch it right here on this page, switch on BBC One, or stream via iPlayer starting at 19:00 GMT. For inclusivity, a British Sign Language version is also on iPlayer, and both BBC One and iPlayer offer audio descriptions and subtitles. Stick with us for real-time text updates to keep up with every twirl and twist.
5.
Exploring the illustrious winners' gallery of Strictly history Posted at 18:20 GMT
It's been over 21 years since Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole first hoisted the glittering trophy in the inaugural series. With the 23rd edition underway (and a double series back in 2004), tonight's victor will add to a prestigious roster of 22 celebrities and 20 professional dancers (notably, Oti Mabuse and Aliona Vilani each claimed it twice). For newcomers to the show, Strictly Come Dancing is a beloved British reality competition where celebrities pair with professional dancers to learn and perform ballroom and Latin routines, judged on skill, technique, and entertainment value—think a mix of Dancing with the Stars and musical theater magic.
Here's the complete winners' lineup:
- Series 1: Natasha Kaplinsky and Brendan Cole
- Series 2: Jill Halfpenny and Darren Bennett
- Series 3: Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova
- Series 4: Mark Ramprakash and Karen Hardy
- Series 5: Alesha Dixon and Matthew Cutler
- Series 6: Tom Chambers and Camilla Dallerup
- Series 7: Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan
- Series 8: Kara Tointon and Artem Chigvintsev
- Series 9: Harry Judd and Aliona Vilani
- Series 10: Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace
- Series 11: Abbey Clancy and Aljaž Škorjanec
- Series 12: Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev
- Series 13: Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani
- Series 14: Ore Oduba and Joanne Clifton
- Series 15: Joe McFadden and Katya Jones
- Series 16: Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton
- Series 17: Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse
- Series 18: Bill Bailey and Oti Mabuse
- Series 19: Rose Ayling-Ellis and Giovanni Pernice
- Series 20: Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystał
- Series 21: Ellie Leach and Vito Coppola
- Series 22: Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell
- Series 23: It's up to you!
But here's where it gets controversial: With so many diverse winners—from actors to athletes—does the show's appeal lie in its inclusivity, or is there an unspoken bias toward certain celebrity types? Fans, what's your take?
6.
Memorable moments from this action-packed season Posted at 18:09 GMT
Katie Williams
Live reporter
From a hilarious, split-second dance improvisation challenge to a star-studded cameo by Cynthia Erivo, plus an unprecedented 40-point score in Week 6 for a spine-tingling Halloween routine... this series has been a rollercoaster of surprises. For those new to Strictly, these themes involve celebrities dancing to specific genres or challenges, often with guest stars or unique twists to ramp up the excitement.
Key standout moments include:
Movie Week welcomed Cynthia Erivo from Wicked as a special mentor, leaving the contestants awestruck and inspired—it's a great example of how celebrity collaborations can elevate the show's glamour.
Image source, BBC/Guy Levy
Halloween never disappoints with outrageous outfits and eerie tunes; Lewis and Katya clinched the top spot with a flawless 40 for their "spooky duo" number, showcasing how thematic weeks turn simple dances into theatrical spectacles.
Image source, BBC/Guy Levy
Icons Week featured Ellie channeling a Spice Girls medley, with Emma Bunton cheering her on—talk about empowering girl-power vibes that resonate beyond the ballroom.
Image source, BBC/Guy Levy
Reaching Blackpool is a coveted milestone, thanks to its iconic sprung floor that boosts energy and scores; this year delivered one perfect 40 and two 39s, proving how venue matters in dance competitions.
Image source, BBC/Guy Levy
Week 10's impromptu dance task gave pairs just 10 seconds to invent moves, resulting in hilarious chaos—imagine the pressure of creating art on the fly!
7.
A bittersweet farewell as Tess and Claudia wrap up their hosting duties Posted at 18:00 GMT
The end of the competition isn't just for the dancers; it's also the swan song for hosts Claudia and Tess, though they'll return for the 2025 Christmas special. "We've adored teaming up and anchoring Strictly has been our ultimate joy. We planned to exit as a pair, and this moment feels perfect," they shared in an Instagram post earlier this year. Tess has been with the show since its 21-year inception, while Claudia stepped in during 2014 after a decade on sister program It Takes Two. They pioneered women co-hosting a prime-time Saturday slot, a milestone in TV history. Rumors have swirled about replacements, but no names are confirmed yet. "I'm certain the incoming hosts will be outstanding, and I'll cheer them on as they elevate Strictly further," Claudia added. Check out their announcement video below.
8.
Twelve routines and the coveted Glitterball—what's in store? Posted at 17:59 GMT
Tonight marks the pinnacle of the Strictly season, featuring three performances from each finalist. They'll unveil a fresh Show Dance (a high-energy, choreographed spectacle), reprise a judge-selected routine, and perform their personal favorite from the run. The Glitterball winner will be revealed live tonight, skipping the usual Sunday results broadcast—a shift that adds extra suspense. Settle in; it's packed with anticipation.
9.
Time to celebrate the new ballroom royalty Posted at 17:58 GMT
Jamie Whitehead
Live editor
Greetings and welcome to our live blog for the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 grand finale. Starting with 16 pairs in September, weekly eliminations narrowed it down to these three: Karen Carney, Amber Davies, or George Clarke. One will triumph around 21:00 tonight, brandishing the shimmering prize. Oh, and a fun fact: Amber stepped in at the eleventh hour as a substitute for Dani Dyer, who withdrew due to an injury before filming began. Tonight could etch history if Lioness Karen clinches it—she'd be the inaugural footballer to dominate the dance floor, after numerous athletes have given it a shot. As for George, dubbed an "immediate contender" by the judges, he's lived up to the hype all season. Regardless of the outcome, expect tears and triumphs, especially with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's final bow after 21 and 11 years respectively. Truly, an era concludes. Three pairs, nine dances, one champion. It's shaping up to be unforgettable—join us for the ride.
And this is the part most people miss: In the world of televised talent shows, does favoritism toward certain backgrounds skew the playing field? Do you agree with Amber's stance that love wins out, or should rules ensure equal footing? Share your thoughts in the comments—does experience like hers ruin the fun for everyone else, or is it just part of the show's charm? Let's discuss!
