Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Call Time on Strictly Journey. Image- BBC.
(The Post News)- Presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly of the popular BBC program Strictly Come Dancing have announced their departure.
When the two announced the news on Instagram, they said they had always intended to travel together and that they thought the time was right. “It has been an incredible experience to host Strictly, and we can’t wait to enjoy the remainder of this incredible series,” they stated, thanking the BBC and all those involved.
According to the BBC, their last performance will take place on December 25th during the Christmas special. Saturday-night staples Winkleman, who joined in 2014 after hosting It Takes Two for ten years, and Daly, who has presented since the show’s inception 21 years ago, have grown to be adored.
“When we say our final ‘keep dancing,’ we’ll cry, but we’ll keep saying it to each other probably at home with pizza and in tracksuit bottoms,” the two laughed.
Fan and co-worker tributes flooded in, with some describing them as “icons and inspirations.” Meanwhile, judge Craig Revel Horwood declared the show will never be the same. They are absolute class acts, according to former co-host Zoe Ball, while dancer Oti Mabuse branded their departure devastating.
Daly and Winkleman Share Show Experience
Daly praised her late co-host Sir Bruce Forsyth, whom she credited with establishing the tone of warmth and pure showbiz magic, and reflected on her 20 years with the show, saying it had become like a second family. Meanwhile, Winkleman called the performance “a magical, glittery, fake-tanned train” and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate. “Funny, kind, and a true friend,” she said, praising her collaboration with Daly.
In response, Daly expressed her gratitude to Winkleman for “every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment,” and she said she would always cherish their friendship. As the first all-female presenting team on a major Saturday night show, the two gained notoriety for their chemistry, warmth, and comedy. Beyond Strictly also performed a 24-hour dance marathon in 2019 to raise more than £1 million for Comic Relief.
Winkleman gave an explanation for her choice, saying she was in favor of “leaving the party before you’re fully ready to go” and that she was excited to watch new hosts take Strictly to new heights. Assuring fans that she could “never say goodbye to glitter or sequins,” Daly repeated her feelings, stating that the moment was opportune to hand over the reins.
The pair were commended by BBC content controller Kate Phillips, who acknowledged their enthusiasm and commitment over the previous 20 years and called them “integral to Strictly’s success.” The BBC stated that it will make their plans for the 2026 series public when the time is right.
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