Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winner 'sealed' with 'huge public vote'

Former Strictly pro Ian Waite has predicted George Clarke will beat Amber Davies and Karen Carney in tonight's 2025 final

By Dan Laurie, Assistant Editor of Screen Time

06:30, Sat, Dec 20, 2025

Amber Davies, George Clarke and Karen Carney

Amber Davies, George Clarke and Karen Carney have made the Strictly Come Dancing final (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)

Tonight will see the crowning of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 champion.

Amber Davies, George Clarke and Karen Carney will take to the dance floor one final time alongside their professional partners, all vying for the coveted glitterball trophy.

Ahead of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman revealing the Strictly 2025 winners, former professional Ian Waite has offered his predictions on who might emerge victorious.

Speaking to Reach on behalf of ZingoBingo, Ian said: "I think it could be George. I think people really like him, he's very humble and he seems such a sweet guy. I think he'll definitely have a really huge public vote.

"George has improved as well, especially his performance skills over the weeks."

Ian Waite and Zoe Ball

Ian Waite has shared his 2025 winner prediction (Image: BBC)

"He just seems to have got better and better and better to the point where he looks quite comfortable out there performing and I don't think he was in the beginning.

"I also think Karen's done so well. Her spins are incredible but I feel sometimes that she could control them at the end of the spins a little bit more. But for me, she's just an incredible dancer and, and gives it 100% every time."

George Clarke and Alexis Warr

Ian thinks George Clarke and Alexis Warr could win the series (Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Guy Levy)

Sunday's (December 14) semi-final sealed the final line-up after EastEnders actress Balvinder Sopal was sent home following a nail-biting dance-off against Amber.

Balvinder, who had endured more dance-offs than any contestant in the programme's history, departed after performing her salsa once more, whilst Amber delivered her couple's choice routine, which had previously earned a perfect 40.

Judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke all chose to rescue Amber, with Craig Revel Horwood also signalling he would have reached the same conclusion.

The Strictly Come Dancing line up

EMBARGOED TO 0001 SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 13For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of (left to right) Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Vicky Pattison, Thomas Skinner, Ross King, George Clarke, Stefan Dennis, Dani Dyer, Alex Kingston, Balvinder Sopal, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Karen Carney, Ellie Goldstein, Chris Robshaw, Lewis Cope and La Voix, the contestants for this year's Strictly Come Dancing on BBC 1. Issue date: Saturday September 13, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Ray Burmiston/BBC/PA WireNOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. (Image: PA)

Despite her departure, Balvinder received widespread acclaim for her determination and heartfelt journey throughout the series, having battled back time and again after finding herself in the dance-off more frequently than any other competitor.

When Tess enquired about her experience on the programme, Balvinder reflected: "I've absolutely adored every single minute.

"All the dance offs, all the challenges, but just more than anything, just being in this building and dancing on this floor with such an amazing human being.

"It was my Yes Year, and I said yes to Strictly. My family, we've had some hard times, but they've been here."

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 Final airs Saturday, December 20 at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer