How to watch 'Strictly Come Dancing' season 23 final for free online from anywhere

Strictly Come Dancing
(Image credit: PA)

The Grand Final features a huge live show with impressive choreography, judges’ pick routines, and fan-favourite performances before the public chooses the winner. In the final, judges’ scores are just for reference - the audience vote decides who wins. Look forward to a pro group dance, a special musical guest, and a full-cast finale before the Glitterball trophy is revealed.

Here’s how to watch the “Strictly Come Dancing” Final online from anywhere with a VPN — and potentially for FREE.

'Strictly Come Dancing Final' - Dates, time, channel

"Strictly Come Dancing Final" lands on BBC One at 7 p.m. GMT on Saturday, December 20, 2025. It will also be available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
• WATCH FREE — BBC One / BBC iPlayer (U.K.)
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk free

The Grand Final is a special, longer episode that will run for more than two hours and starts at 7 P.M. GMT.

Each finalist couple will perform three routines: a Judges' Pick, which is a past dance chosen by the judges for them to improve; a Showdance; and their own Favourite Dance from the series.

The show will include a group routine by all professional dancers, a final group number featuring the entire 2025 cast, and a special musical guest. In past finals, performers have included Cher and RAYE.

In the final, the judges' scores are for guidance only. The winner is chosen solely by public vote, which is conducted online this year. Viewers pick their favourite couple, and the couple with the most votes wins.

This year, it is George Clarke (celebrity) and Alexis Warr, Amber Davies (celebrity) and Nikita Kuziman, and Karen Carney (celebrity) and Carlos Gu who will be fighting it out for the Glitterball Trophy.

It will also be Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's final appearances on Strictly, before the co-hosts depart following the conclusion of season 23.

Read on to find out how to watch "Strictly Come Dancing Final" online, on TV and from anywhere.

How to watch 'Strictly Come Dancing Final' for FREE in the U.K.

BBC iPlayer

"Strictly Come Dancing Final" airs live on BBC One at 7 p.m. GMT on Saturday, December 20, 2025, and streams simultaneously on BBC iPlayer. Catch-up will be available shortly after broadcast. You’ll need a valid UK TV Licence to watch live or use iPlayer.

You don't have to miss it if you're a Brit abroad, as you can unblock BBC iPlayer with a VPN. We'll show you how to do that below...

How to watch 'Strictly Come Dancing Final' abroad

Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), “Strictly Come Dancing” should be available to Brits wherever they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country, regardless of where in the world you find yourself. Our favourite is NordVPN.

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Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favourite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're outside the U.K. and want to access a U.K. service, you'd select U.K. from the list.

3. Sit back and watch the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "Strictly Come Dancing" online and on demand.

How to watch 'Strictly Come Dancing Final' around the world

Can I watch 'Strictly Come Dancing Final' in the United States?

US flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Unfortunately, "Strictly Come Dancing Final" is not available to stream in the U.S. on a local service.

However, if you are a Brit in the States for work or on vacation, you can watch the show for FREE now by using a VPN such as NordVPN, selecting the U.K. from the list, and then selecting BBC iPlayer.

Can I watch 'Strictly Come Dancing Final' online or on TV in Canada?

Canadian flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

"Strictly Come Dancing Final" is not broadcast in Canada on TV or streaming services.

However, if you are a Brit in the Great White North for work or on vacation, you can watch the show on your domestic streaming platform using a VPN such as NordVPN.

Can I watch 'Strictly Come Dancing Final' online in Australia?

Australian flag

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

There is no official Australian broadcaster for the BBC final.

However, if you are a Brit working or on vacation Down Under and want to watch the show on the BBC, you can do so using a VPN such as NordVPN.

'Strictly Come Dancing Final' - Cast

Judges: Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke

Finalists:

  • Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin
  • George Clarke and Alexis Warr
  • Karen Carney and Carlos Gu

'Strictly Come Dancing Final' - FAQ

Is it free to watch in the U.K. and do I need a TV Licence?

BBC One is free-to-air, and iPlayer is free to use. A valid UK TV Licence is required by law to watch live TV or stream/download on BBC iPlayer.

Can I watch on catch-up if I miss the live broadcast?

Yes. The full episode will be available on BBC iPlayer shortly after the live show finishes.

How does voting work in the final?

Judges’ scores are advisory only. The winner is decided entirely by public vote, open to U.K. viewers. You will need a BBC account to vote online; phone numbers will be shown during the show.

What dances and extras are in the Grand Final?

Each couple performs three routines: Judges’ Pick, Favourite Dance, and a no-rules Showdance. Expect a pro group routine, a full-cast number, and a special musical guest. The final runs for over two hours.

What else can I watch on BBC iPlayer?

Plenty — including Strictly highlights, entertainment specials, dramas, documentaries and more, all available to stream on-demand on BBC iPlayer.

More from Tom's Guide

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Caroline Preece
Contributing Smart Home Writer

Caroline is a freelance writer and product tester, previously working in roles such as smart home editor across various titles at Future, including Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, and TechRadar. As a technology and lifestyle expert, Caroline specializes in smart home tech, appliances, and more. She currently operates out of her cozy Suffolk apartment and is more dedicated than ever to helping people find the best products for their own homes.

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