Strictly Come Dancing’s well-known hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have officially revealed that they will be leaving the show. Their decision marks the end of one of Britain’s most familiar television presenting partnerships. As the BBC made the news official, fans across were left in shock and dismay, bringing to an end a fantastic period that had dominated Saturday evening viewing for nearly a decade.
Tess Daly and Claudia
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman both announced their resignations after the latest series in a joint statement released by the BBC. Presenting Strictly since its launch in 2004, Tess thanked the fantastic journey, describing herself as “emotional but grateful.”The show had been “sheer joy,” but Claudia, who began working there full-time in 2014, explained she needed to pursue new creative challenges.
Reason Behind Their Departure
Tess Daly explained that she wishes to work on other TV shows that she had long deferred and spend more time with her family. Two decades with the same programme felt like “a beautiful chapter ready to close,” she said.
Claudia Winkleman revealed that she will be focusing on her next creative activities, along with her other work outside of television, including writing and producing. It was “the right time to pass the glitter baton” to another generation of presenters, she also accepted.
BBC Reaction
In return, the BBC gave the duo a touching tribute, praising their warmth, chemistry, and professionalism. The BBC “owes a huge debt of gratitude” to Tess and Claudia for turning Strictly into a global hit, said a BBC spokesman. The production team also conceded that finding replacements with the same level of passion and audience relationship will be difficult.
Fans’ Reaction to Departure
Strictly viewers filled social media with kind words and praise. Spectators commented that the two were “the heart of the show” and credited them with keeping Strictly’s spirit alive through elegance, humor, and compassion.
To convince the BBC to allow them to remain for a further season, some fans even set up petitions. Others marked their heritage in style by posting video montages of their most moving and comedic on-screen performances.
Strictly Journey
When Strictly Come Dancing launched in 2004, Tess Daly was the show’s host, glitzing and charming the ballroom week in and week out. She presented alongside Bruce Forsyth until his retirement, before Claudia Winkleman joined as her official co-host in 2014.
By combining humour, charisma, and sisterly chemistry that kept people glued to the screen, they collectively shifted the show’s tone. Their partnership made Strictly one of Britain’s most-watched shows for nearly 20 years and became a key part of its success.
What next for Tess Daly?
Although they are leaving Strictly, neither has any intention of going out of the spotlight. Claudia Winkleman plans to continue hosting her BBC Radio 2 show and explore other creative projects, while Tess Daly is reportedly set to take on new television and lifestyle ventures. Industry sources say the BBC is already in talks to grant the duo special reunion or anniversary shows in the coming seasons.
