Another series of Strictly Come Dancing is coming to an end and it will be particularly emotional this year as the show’s presenters will be stepping away from a role they have become so synonymous with over the years. In a joint statement shared on Instagram in October, co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their upcoming departure.
Tess and Claudia have fronted the series together since 2014. Their last appearance together on the show will be its Christmas special, which will air on December 25. Tess has presented the series since it first launched in 2004 alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Claudia first presented its weekday sister show, It Takes Two.
Claudia eventually moved on to host the Sunday night results show alongside Tess and joined the main show every Saturday from 2014, after Sir Bruce stepped down. As the end of their Strictly tenure nears, both presenters have been reflecting on their time as Strictly co-hosts and enjoying every moment.
In Tess’ latest Instagram post, she shared pictures from this evening as she received a bouquet of flowers and another posing alongside fellow presenter AJ Odudu. The post was captioned: “What a night. A beautiful semi-final and my 500th show. Feeling very lucky to stand alongside such incredible people and share these moments with you at home. Great seeing you AJ.”
Fans became emotional as they realised Tess’ time on Strictly is close to ending, one comment on her post said: “You’ve done your duty fabulously. It really won’t be the same without you and Claudia.” Another response said “Don’t go Tess”, alongside crying emojis.
Upon announcing her show exit, Tess shared a heartfelt message with followers. A statement read: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes….
“Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.
“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”
She continued: “I absolutely adore our brilliant crew – every single member of the Strictly team who has worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is. You are the very best in the business – the kindest, most fun, most loyal, and definitely the hardest-working team in television.
“Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, and the countless memories over all these years. You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much.”
Tess’ time on Strictly was acknowledged this year. She was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours. The TV personality was awarded an MBE for her services to broadcasting.
Tess revealed it had been the “greatest surprise” of her life. The 56-year-old first appeared on TV screens in 1999 when she hosted The Big Breakfasts’ Find Me A Model competition on Channel 4. Other presenting roles have included Just the Two of Us on BBC One and Royal Variety Performance.
The MBE recipient shared a message after receiving the honour, she said: “Genuinely still pinching myself…Feeling extremely humbled and very honoured to be awarded an MBE for Services to Broadcasting in King Charles’ birthday honours list.
“If I could, I would dedicate it to all the wonderful people I have had the pleasure of working with over the past 26 years. What an utter privilege it has been to work with so many legends of broadcasting and Knights of the Realm including Sir Trevor McDonald and Sir Terry Wogan-and also to the Strictly viewers who have brought us so much joy over the past 20 years.”
TV presenter Claudia Winkleman said she was “incredibly grateful” to have been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours. The Traitors star was also recognised for her services to broadcasting.