Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winner 'revealed' in first show - but it's 'not Karen Carney'

Fans of Strictly Come Dancing think they've already cracked who will win the 2025 series as the launch show kicked off on Saturday.

As the new line-up hit the dance floor for the first time and performed for the judges, fans claimed to have spotted the winner. Just one performance in and months before the final in December, viewers picked out one pairing in particular that they say are "going to win".

All of the new celebs and their professional dance partners hit the studio ballroom, having been introduced by hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. As the judges had their say on their first routines and their skills so far, it was clear some pairs were doing better than others.

As the show continued, fans shared their thoughts on the "clear winner" and named Emmerdale's Lewis Cope as their champion. Despite Amber Davies and footballer Karen Carney proving popular, it was Lewis' week one routine that left fans convinced he'd be this year's winner.

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One fan posted on X: "Oh stop it!! Katya and Lewis, finalists init," as another said: "Oh Lewis is gonna walk this series. Wow." A third fan added: "Anyone else got a strange hunch the star of West End DANCE show Billy Elliot, Lewis Cope, might win in 2025?"

A further comment read: "I can deffo see Lewis winning this," as another commented: "Lewis stole the show." One fan said: "Do think Lewis has a good shot at this, final if not winner."

Some viewers did believe Karen would be the winner though. One said: "Calling it now. Karen and Carlos to win." Another agreed: "Karen Carney is literally gonna win strictly come dancing 2025 I'm so serious," as another said: "Karen to win."

It comes after the news Dani Dyer had to pull out of the show days before the first live episode. She shared a sweet message for her Strictly co-stars ahead of Saturday's episode after being forced to leave the show earlier this week due to an injury.

It was announced on Tuesday that the 29-year-old would no longer be able to compete on the show after a fall during rehearsals led to her fracturing her ankle. However, despite not being able to take part, Dani has sent a message of support to her co-stars.

Taking to her Instagram stories, the mum-of-three wrote: “Good luck to all the gorgeous cast starting there Strictly journey tonight. Can’t wait to watch you all, so proud & know how hard you’ve all been working.. see you all soon.”

The official Strictly Come Dancing Instagram page revealed the sad news of Dani’s exit as they captioned it: “Unfortunately due to an injury Dani Dyer is no longer able to compete in #Strictly 2025. She’ll be sorely missed and we wish her a speedy recovery.”

Strictly Come Dancing continues next Saturday on BBC One. * Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , and Threads.