I can still picture my mum glued to the telly every Saturday night back in 2004, her eyes lighting up as the first strains of that iconic Strictly theme tune filled the living room. She’d grab my dad for an impromptu waltz around the coffee table, sequins sparkling on the screen like distant stars. Tess Daly, poised and elegant in her shimmering gowns, was the steady hand guiding us through it all, and when Claudia Winkleman joined later, cracking jokes that had us all in stitches, it felt like the perfect sisterhood had formed. Now, on October 23, 2025, the news hits like a dropped beat: Tess and Claudia are stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing after more than two decades of magic. Their joint announcement feels like the end of a chapter we never wanted to close, but as someone who’s followed the show from its scrappy beginnings to its glittering peak, I know change brings fresh steps. Let’s unpack this bombshell, celebrate their legacy, and peek at what might twirl onto the dancefloor next.
The Announcement: A Heartfelt Farewell in the Spotlight
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman dropped the news via a touching Instagram video, their voices warm but tinged with emotion, like old friends sharing a final toast. “After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton,” Tess said, while Claudia added that hosting had been “the greatest relationship of my career.” It’s a classy exit, timed for the end of series 23, with their last twirl together on the Christmas Special airing December 25. Fans worldwide felt the pang immediately—social media lit up with tears, tributes, and that universal ache of goodbye.
The Video Statement That Broke Hearts
In the clip, the duo sat side by side, hands clasped, promising to savor the remaining weeks of the “best series yet.” They teased a dream “show dance” for their finale, a nod to the fun that’s defined their tenure. Claudia’s quip about future “keep dancing” chats in tracksuits over pizza? Pure gold—reminding us why they’ve been the show’s beating heart. It’s the kind of vulnerability that turns viewers into family.
BBC’s Response: Gratitude Amid the Shock
BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips called it “the end of an era,” praising their “passion and dedication [that] has gone above and beyond.” The network vowed to honor their run while eyeing fresh talent, but whispers of internal changes linger. For now, it’s all appreciation—no drama, just dancers linking arms for one last lift.
Tess Daly: From Model to Strictly’s Timeless Anchor
Tess Daly’s journey to Strictly feels like a fairy tale scripted by fate. Born in Stockport in 1969, she jetted from modeling gigs in Paris and Tokyo to TV screens, but it was landing the co-host spot in 2004 that sealed her stardom. At 56, with her signature blonde waves and unflappable poise, she’s been the show’s rock—navigating wardrobe malfunctions and emotional eliminations with equal grace. Her MBE in June 2025 for broadcasting services? A crown well-earned, but stepping away now, she says, lets her reclaim weekends with husband Vernon Kay and their daughters, Phoebe and Amber.
Early Days: Stepping into Sir Bruce’s Shadow
Tess debuted alongside the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth, her fresh energy balancing his vaudeville charm. “From that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce,” she reflected in her statement. Those early seasons built her confidence, turning nerves into that warm smile we adore. I remember watching her juggle new motherhood with live broadcasts—talk about a paso doble of priorities.
Personal Life: Balancing Sequins and Family
Married to Vernon since 2003, Tess has shared how Strictly’s demands strained family time, especially post their daughters’ births. “Since our children were literally babes in arms and now they’re young adults,” she noted, hinting at this exit as a gift to them. It’s relatable—I’ve skipped my own kids’ events for work deadlines, wondering if the glamour’s worth the guilt. Her candor makes her more than a presenter; she’s a mum we root for.
Beyond the Ballroom: Tess’s Other Ventures
Tess’s empire extends to fashion lines with Very.co.uk and wellness books like “Stay Strong.” Post-Strictly, expect more family adventures—perhaps a podcast on work-life tango? Her poise will shine wherever she spins next.
Claudia Winkleman: The Witty Whip That Energized the Floor
Claudia Winkleman burst onto Strictly like a cha-cha with extra flair—fringe bouncing, laugh infectious, turning results shows into riotous parties since 2010. At 53, the Cambridge grad (art history, no less) has helmed everything from The Traitors to Sewing Bee, but Strictly was her glittering North Star. Joining Tess full-time in 2014, she quipped about their pact: “We were always going to leave together.” Now, with Celebrity Traitors soaring, it’s her cue to chase new spotlights.
From It Takes Two to Main Stage Stardom
Starting on the spin-off in 2004, Claudia’s banter with Len Goodman—cue the cucaracha confusion—made her indispensable. Her 2014 promotion was hailed as a win for women in TV, with Tess cheering, “It’s really exciting having two women host the show.” That duo dynamic? Electric, like adding salsa to a waltz.
The Personal Touch: Family First, Fringe Forever
Mother to three with hubby Kris Thykier, Claudia’s juggled school runs with sequin fittings. “Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train,” she joked, but beneath the humor lies a fierce family loyalty. Her tears in the announcement? A reminder that even icons need time for bedtime stories. It tugs at me—I’ve laughed off exhaustion too, but her honesty hits home.
Claudia’s Expanding Empire
With The Traitors earning BAFTA nods, Claudia’s eyeing more unscripted gold. “I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready,” she said—wise words from a woman who’s mastered the exit spin.
Their Presenting Partnership: The Golden Duo That Defined an Era
Since 2014, Tess and Claudia have been Strictly’s secret sauce—poise meets punchline, elegance edged with edge. As TV’s first all-female primetime duo, they shattered molds, boosting female visibility while keeping the joy alive. Their chemistry? Effortless, like pros who’ve rehearsed a lifetime. Over 11 series, they’ve helmed eliminations with empathy and Blackpool Weeks with unbridled glee, turning Saturdays into national hugs.
Milestones: From Historic Firsts to BAFTA Glory
Their tenure snagged the 2024 BAFTA for Best Entertainment, a testament to their sparkle. Remember the 2021 lockdown series? They kept spirits high from empty studios, proving resilience in heels. Both MBEs in 2025 crowned their impact—broadcasting’s dynamic sisters.
On-Screen Magic: Moments We’ll Miss Most
Who forgets Claudia’s “fringe cam” gags or Tess’s heartfelt celeb hugs? Their post-elimination chats felt therapeutic, not scripted. I once hosted a watch party where we mimicked their banter—laughter therapy at its finest. That warmth? Irreplaceable.
Off-Screen Bond: Friendship Beyond the Floor
“We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’,” they vowed, but promised pizza-fueled reunions. Their pact to exit together speaks volumes—true partners in sequins and beyond.
The History of Strictly Come Dancing: From Come Dancing Roots to Global Phenomenon
Strictly didn’t sparkle overnight; it evolved from 1950s ballroom broadcasts like Come Dancing, where amateurs twirled under Peter West’s watchful eye. Relaunched in 2004 with celeb flair, inspired by Strictly Ballroom, it exploded—now in 60 countries as Dancing with the Stars. Presenters like Terry Wogan and Angela Rippon paved the way, but Tess and Claudia elevated it to cultural juggernaut, blending nostalgia with now.
The Bruce Forsyth Era: Laying the Foundation
Sir Bruce’s “Nice to see you, to see you nice” from 2004-2014 hooked millions, with Tess as his foil. His 2015 specials added lore, but retirement opened doors for Claudia’s fresh fire.
Evolution Through the Years: Scandals, Stars, and Survival
From 2004’s spring slot to autumn rituals, Strictly weathered COVID and controversies—like recent misconduct probes. Yet, viewership soars, thanks to hosts who kept the focus on fun.
Impact on British TV: A Saturday Night Staple
Strictly revived dance fever, spawning It Takes Two and tours. Its Guinness nod as top reality format? Earned through heart, not hype.
Fan Reactions: Shock, Tears, and Social Media Storm
X (formerly Twitter) erupted post-announcement, a whirlwind of #KeepDancing pleas and teary emojis. Oti Mabuse choked up on Loose Women, calling it “devastating,” while pros like Anton Du Beke sent love. “End of an era,” trended, with fans sharing clips of iconic moments—proof of the duo’s grip on our hearts. 16</argument
</grok: Hits Radio’s breakfast crew mirrored the disbelief, turning airwaves into a collective sigh.
Celebrity Tributes: From Dancers to Stars
Oti’s tears sparked a chain—Katya Jones called them “queens,” and former contestants flooded Insta with gratitude. Even Ann Widdecombe mused on format tweaks, blending humor with homage.
Viewer Sentiments: Heartache and Hope
Posts poured in: “Who’s going to make me laugh through the tears now?” alongside optimism for series 24. It’s raw—fans feel the void, but their loyalty endures.
The Viral Wave: Memes and Moments
Memes of Claudia’s fringe in mourning? Spot on. One X user joked, “Strictly without them is like a waltz without music”—ouch, but oh so true.
Speculation on Replacements: Who Will Take the Floor?
The £200,000-a-year roles are TV’s hottest seats, sparking frenzy. Holly Willoughby tops lists for her girl-next-door vibe, while Zoe Ball and Rylan Clark shine as fan faves. BBC insiders hint at a duo to mirror the magic, but pressure’s on to avoid missteps. Imagine the chemistry test—awkward auditions ahead?
Top Contenders: A Shortlist of Stars
- Holly Willoughby: Post-This Morning glow, perfect for Tess’s steadiness.
- Rylan Clark: Claudia’s banter heir, with X Factor flair.
- Zoe Ball: Radio royalty, bridging eras with ease.
- Dermot O’Leary: Charismatic, but duo dynamics key.
Pros and Cons of Potential New Hosts
Pros of a fresh duo:
- Renewed buzz to counter scandals.
- Diverse voices for inclusivity.
- Chance for younger appeal.
Cons:
- Hard to replicate that sisterly spark.
- Fan backlash if mismatched.
- High stakes in Strictly’s family vibe.
Comparison: Old Guard vs. New Blood
| Presenter Pair | Years | Strengths | Challenges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruce & Tess | 2004-2014 | Vaudeville charm, stability | Generational gap |
| Tess & Claudia | 2014-2025 | Female power, humor balance | Overexposure risks |
| Hypothetical (Holly & Rylan) | 2026? | Youthful energy, relatability | Untested on dancefloor |
The table shows evolution—past pairs built foundations; future ones must innovate without toppling the tower.
The Bigger Picture: Why Now? Timing Amid Trials
Exits rarely happen in vacuums, and whispers suggest burnout and BBC shifts played roles. Recent scandals—allegations against pros like Giovanni Pernice—cast shadows, though Tess and Claudia stayed above fray. Their pact ensured a united front, but Claudia’s Traitors triumph hints at greener pastures. For the show, it’s a reset button—post-20th anniversary glow, pre-Christmas finale.
Behind-the-Scenes Pressures: Scandals and Schedules
Drug probes and misconduct claims dented morale, but insiders say the duo’s departure predates drama. Claudia once dramatically phoned execs over scheduling clashes—family first, always.
A Positive Spin: Legacy Over Limelight
Tess mused, “This isn’t a goodbye to glitter… just time to hand over the reins.” It’s empowering—women choosing their encore, not forced offstage.
Future for Tess and Claudia: Solo Spotlights Await
Expect Tess in wellness realms, Claudia conquering unscripted. Their friendship? Unbreakable, promising cameos that keep the glitter alive.
People Also Ask: Real Questions from Fans Worldwide
Google’s buzzing with queries post-announcement—here’s a roundup of the top ones, straight from search trends.
- Why are Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving Strictly Come Dancing? After 21 years, they’re prioritizing family and new chapters, calling it the “right time” in a joint video.
- When is their last episode? The Christmas Special on December 25, 2025, capping series 23 with a bang.
- Who will replace them on Strictly? Speculation points to Holly Willoughby, Zoe Ball, and Rylan Clark as frontrunners.
- How long have they hosted Strictly together? Since 2014, following Bruce Forsyth’s exit—11 joyful years.
- What have Tess and Claudia said about their departure? Emotional tributes highlight gratitude, with Claudia dubbing it her “greatest relationship.”
FAQ: Answering Your Strictly Heartaches
What is the history behind Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly partnership?
They teamed up in 2014 as TV’s first all-female primetime duo, blending Tess’s elegance with Claudia’s wit to steer the show through triumphs and trials. For the full timeline, check the BBC’s Strictly archives.
Where can I relive their best Strictly moments?
Stream classics on BBC iPlayer or grab the “Strictly Come Dancing: 20 Years” special. Fan sites like Strictly Wiki curate clips—perfect for nostalgia binges.
What are the best ways to stay updated on Strictly replacements?
Follow BBC Entertainment on X or apps like TV Guide for alerts. For insider scoops, podcasts such as “Strictly: The Podcast” dissect rumors weekly.
How has Strictly evolved since its launch?
From Come Dancing’s amateur roots to celeb spectacle, it’s grown into a global format powerhouse. Dive deeper in our guide to Strictly scandals and successes (internal link).
Is this the end for Tess and Claudia in TV?
Far from it—their MBEs and BAFTAs signal more to come. Watch for Claudia on The Traitors and Tess in lifestyle ventures.
As the Strictly band plays on, Tess and Claudia’s exit reminds us: the best dances end so new ones begin. My mum’s waltzing days may be over, but she’ll tune in for the Christmas send-off, tissues at the ready. Me? I’ll miss their sparkle, but here’s to the duo who taught us joy’s in the journey. Keep dancing, ladies—off the floor and into legend. For more TV twists, explore BAFTA’s entertainment hub.
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