By M10News Entertainment Desk | October 4, 2025
The BBC has paid tribute to long-time Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, after the pair confirmed they will step down following this year’s Christmas special.
The duo, who have fronted the hit dance competition together for more than two decades, announced in an emotional social media video shared on Tess Daly’s Instagram account.
“Hi, it’s Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings, and we want you to hear this from us,” Winkleman began, addressing fans directly.
Tess continued: “We have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.”
“The very sparkly baton,” Claudia added, prompting laughter between the two as they looked back on their long-running partnership.
Their announcement brought an emotional response from fans, who described the news as the “end of an era” for the BBC’s most-watched entertainment show.
BBC Responds to the Announcement
Following the statement, the BBC issued an official tribute, praising the pair’s contribution to the show’s success and longevity.
“They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show — their passion and dedication have gone above and beyond,” the network said.
BBC COO added that while the decision was “understandable,” Daly and Winkleman’s departure would leave a “huge gap” in the Strictly family.
“They’ve been integral to Strictly’s success over the last 20 years, but I understand why they’ve decided it’s time to hang up the glitter ball and get their weekends back,” she said.
“As Craig would say, they are fab-u-lous presenters, and they are fab-u-lous friends to me and so many others at the BBC. Thank you, Tess and Claud, for everything — we will miss you hugely.”
Final Season Confirmed for Christmas 2025
The BBC confirmed the pair will remain on the show until the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airs on December 25, 2025.
It will mark the final appearance of the presenting duo, who have been synonymous with Strictly since its early years.
Tess Daly has fronted the programme since it first launched in 2004, while Claudia Winkleman joined later as host of the spin-off It Takes Two before transitioning to co-host the main show in 2010.
The pair’s chemistry and wit became key ingredients in the programme’s enduring appeal, helping Strictly remain one of the most beloved shows on British television.
Duo Explain Their Decision to Step Down
In a statement accompanying their video, Tess and Claudia said their decision was made together and that the timing “felt right.”
“We have loved working as a duo, and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” the statement read.
“We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time.”
They added: “We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series, and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.”
“They’re the most brilliant team, and we’ll miss them every day,” the message continued.
“We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing,’ but we’ll continue to say it to each other — just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”
Tributes to Bruce Forsyth and the Team
Tess Daly took a moment to remember her late co-host Sir Bruce Forsyth, who presented the show alongside her until his retirement in 2013.
“Brucie’s warmth and showbiz magic set the tone for everything that followed,” Daly said. “He made Strictly sparkle from the very start.”
24. She also thanked Claudia for her friendship and shared experiences. “Claud, you’ve been my partner-in-crime and my friend for life,” she added.
Claudia Winkleman’s Emotional Goodbye
In her separate message, Winkleman described Strictly as “the greatest relationship of my career.”
“It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. From It Takes Two in 2004 until now, it’s been my everything,” she said.
“I’ll never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is — I still don’t know,” she joked.
Winkleman called Strictly “a magical, glittery, fake-tanned train,” praising the show’s dancers, band, hair and makeup team, and crew.
“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go,” she said. “As for Tess — I’m so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip-smart, and a true friend.”
Strictly Stars React to the News
The entertainment world reacted swiftly to the announcement, with fellow Strictly stars sharing heartfelt messages online.
Judge Motsi Mabuse wrote: “I’m reeling from the news, Tess! Your absence will be deeply felt on Strictly. What an end of an era!”
Presenter Rylan Clark commented: “Adore you both. It’s been my biggest pleasure working with you. Pair of icons.”
Professional dancer Karen Hauer added, “I love you both so much. Powerhouse duo. ♥️”
Former winner Joanne Clifton said: “Can’t believe it! Thank you so much for the memories. You’re both legends.”
Stacey Dooley joked: “WHO am I going to swoon over for their sartorial Saturday slays now? Have the best last season ever!”
End of an Era for Strictly
Alongside judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, Daly and Winkleman are among Strictly’s longest-serving figures, having become inseparable from the show’s identity.
Their exit marks the end of an era — two decades defined by sequins, laughter and Saturday-night sparkle — leaving fans to wonder who will next take the glittering stage.
M10News Entertainment Desk | Contact: entertainment@m10news.com
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