Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to Leave Strictly Come Dancing After Two Decades

By Jon Donnis

After twenty glittering years in the ballroom, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have confirmed that this series of Strictly Come Dancing will be their last. The beloved duo, who have fronted the BBC's flagship dance show together for over a decade, will bow out with a festive farewell on this year's Christmas special.

Tess has been with Strictly since the very first series in 2004, initially co-hosting with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia first joined the Strictly family as host of It Takes Two, later stepping into the results show before teaming up with Tess on the main programme in 2014. Together, they made broadcasting history as the first all-female presenting team to lead a primetime entertainment show on British television. In recognition of their contribution to broadcasting, both were awarded MBEs in June 2025.

The BBC's Chief Content Officer, Kate Phillips, described their departure as "the end of an era", praising the pair for their warmth, humour, and unwavering commitment to the show. "They've both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of Strictly," she said. "They've been integral to its success for twenty years, but I understand why they've decided it's time to hang up the glitterball and get their weekends back."

Suzy Lamb, Managing Director of BBC Studios Entertainment, echoed the sentiment, calling Tess "elegant and genuine" and Claudia "charming and razor-sharp". She added that the partnership had captivated audiences since day one and that both women had become "part of the Strictly family."

Executive Producer Sarah James paid an emotional tribute, describing Tess and Claudia as "the matriarchs of the Strictly family". She reflected on their dedication through every challenge, from championing nervous celebrities to guiding the show through the pandemic. "We've supported each other through births and bereavements," she said. "To say we'll miss them is an understatement."

In a joint statement, Tess and Claudia said leaving together "felt like the right time." They added: "We have loved every minute of hosting Strictly. The team is extraordinary and we'll miss them every day. We will cry during our final 'keep dancing' but will keep saying it to each other, probably in tracksuits at home with pizza."

Their final appearance will be on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, airing on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Christmas Day. Plans for the 2026 series, including who might step into their sparkling shoes, are expected to be announced in the new year.

For now, viewers have one last chance to enjoy Tess and Claudia's chemistry, warmth, and wit as they guide Strictly through its final glittering steps of 2025.