Chris McCausland was quick to send his love after the Strictly Come Dancing final, cheering on this year’s winner Karen Carney.
The comedian, who lifted the glitterball himself last year, said he was thrilled to see the former England footballer take the title alongside her professional partner Carlos Gu.
For Chris, the victory felt even closer to home — quite literally.
Keeping the Glitterball Close to Home
Taking to X after the live show, Chris joked that the trophy wasn’t travelling far.
Karen, he revealed, used to live next door to him and now resides just around the corner.
“What a legend Kaz is,” he wrote, adding that he was delighted the glitterball was “staying local.”
He also made sure to praise Carlos, calling him “lovely,” before signing off with a typically wry note that “the world moves on.”
From Last Year’s Winner to This Year’s Supporter
Chris knows exactly what Karen and Carlos were feeling in that moment.
Blind since his 20s, the 48-year-old comedian won Strictly last year with partner Dianne Buswell, winning hearts across the country.
Watching someone he knows personally follow the same path clearly made the moment extra special.
An Emotional Finale Under the Ballroom Lights
Karen herself looked completely stunned when Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced her as the 2025 winner.
As confetti fell and the music swelled, she clutched Carlos in disbelief.
Each finalist had already danced three times — a judges’ pick, their show dance, and their favourite routine — but it was Karen and Carlos who ultimately captured the public vote.
Karen Struggles to Find the Words
Still visibly shocked, Karen tried to thank everyone who supported her journey.
She praised Carlos as a true teammate, admitting she couldn’t have done it without him.
Fighting back emotion, she described the experience as the “biggest privilege and honour,” before apologising for being completely lost for words.
A Thank You Straight From the Heart
Later, the pair shared a video on Instagram, holding the glitterball tightly between them.
“We did it!” they exclaimed, still barely believing the result.
Both thanked fans for their votes, messages and encouragement, saying the support meant everything throughout the competition.
A Royal Surprise for Tess and Claudia
Before the winner was revealed, the focus briefly shifted to the show’s presenters.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were treated to a surprise tribute after highlights from the series played.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood then read out a letter from Queen Camilla that left both hosts visibly moved.
A Letter That Captured the Spirit of Strictly
In her message, the Queen praised Strictly not just as a dance show, but as a celebration of friendship, resilience and shared joy.
She singled out Tess and Claudia’s warmth and connection, calling their partnership central to the programme’s success.
Her closing message was simple but heartfelt: wherever life takes them next, she urged them to “keep dancing.”
Tess Daly’s Record-Breaking Strictly Journey
The tribute was especially fitting given Tess’s remarkable tenure.
Earlier this week, she received a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving host of the same dance competition, marking over 21 years in the role.
She has been there since the very first episode in 2004, initially alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, before Claudia joined following his retirement.
A Night of Full Circles and Fresh Beginnings
As the curtains closed on another Strictly series, the night felt full of symmetry — past winners cheering on new champions, neighbours celebrating neighbours, and familiar faces being honoured for decades of dedication.
For Karen Carney, it was a life-changing win.
For Chris McCausland, it was a reminder that sometimes, the glitterball really does stay close to home.
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