In a stunning upset that captivated the nation, former England footballer Karen Carney was crowned the winner of Strictly Come Dancing 2024 on Saturday night. The 38-year-old pundit, who began the competition as a rank outsider, waltzed her way to victory with professional partner Carlos Gu, securing the coveted Glitterball trophy.
An Underdog's Triumph Against the Odds
Fighting back tears as hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced the result, a stunned Carney saw off competition from West End star Amber Davies and fellow finalist George Clarke. Dressed aptly in a football kit for her final moment, the ex-Lioness expressed her disbelief and gratitude. "I cannot believe it. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has followed our journey and supported us," she said.
Her victory was all the more remarkable given the challenges she faced. Throughout the series, Carney has been managing Scheuermann’s disease, a spinal condition causing excessive curvature that she has lived with since childhood. Her triumph was sealed by the public vote, despite her finishing second on the judges' leaderboard with 117 points, just one point behind Amber Davies's 118.
Paying tribute to her partner, Carlos Gu, she added: "Thank you to this wonderful gentleman – we are a team and I couldn’t have done it without you. But, honestly, it’s been the biggest privilege and honour, and I am literally lost for words."
A Fond Farewell to a Legendary Duo
The finale was charged with extra emotion as it marked the final live show for presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. The pair, who announced their departure in October, were honoured with a surprise tribute from Queen Camilla, read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood.
The Queen's heartfelt message praised their "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness," calling theirs "perhaps the greatest Strictly partnership of all." She signed off with the iconic Strictly phrase: "Keeeeeeeep dancing!" Both presenters, each awarded an MBE this summer, were visibly moved.
Claudia Winkleman tried to keep the focus on the finalists, insisting "Tonight is all about them," but emotions overflowed during a montage of goodbyes from off-screen colleagues and celebrities like Mary Berry. As the credits rolled, Claudia turned to reveal "Keep dancing" emblazoned on the back of her blazer, a final message to the fans.
A Night of Show-Stopping Final Dances
The grand final was a spectacular display of talent. The night's performances included:
- Amber Davies & Nikita Kuzmin: They opened with a paso doble scoring 39, followed by a show dance (39) and a perfect-scoring jive (40).
- George Clarke & his partner: He delivered a Viennese waltz (39), a show dance (39), and a paso doble.
- Karen Carney & Carlos Gu: Their journey included a tango (37), a show dance, and a finale jive to Blondie which earned a perfect 40.
The Duchess of Edinburgh also appeared in a video message, praising finalist Ellie Goldstein, the show's first contestant with Down's syndrome, for dispelling perceptions about learning disabilities.
With the glitter settled and the tears dried, the 2024 series concludes, leaving a legacy of an inspirational winner and the end of a defining era for the show's presentation. As one BBC insider noted, "Strictly is going to look very different next year."
