Overview
- Carney and Gu were crowned champions by public vote after a three‑dance final in which they both earned perfect 40s.
- Their victory marked milestones, with Carney becoming the first footballer to win and Gu reported as the first openly gay and Asian man to take the title.
- Former contestant Thomas Skinner’s claim of voting irregularities was called “entirely without foundation” by the BBC, which says the public vote is independently verified; he has not provided the email he cites to the broadcaster.
- Post‑show debate has focused on contestants’ prior dance experience, with ex‑pro James Jordan noting Carney trained in street dance during childhood.
- The final was Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s last live show together and featured a message from Queen Camilla, as separate reports highlighted a suspected rift between professionals Nancy Xu and Gu.