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Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shared an embrace on the dancefloor as they concluded their tenure as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing, marking over a decade of presenting the show together.
“Thank you again for watching us over the years, it has meant a world to us,” Winkleman expressed to viewers during the conclusion of Strictly’s Christmas Day special. “There’s just one thing left to do. Come on, Tess.”
Daly then took her presenting partner’s hand, initiating a slow dance while gazing into her eyes and declaring: “For our very final time, Claud.”
“Let’s make it count,” Winkleman added, before the duo led the studio in a final rendition of the show’s iconic catchphrase: “Keep dancing!”
The pair had previously announced their departure in October, a decision that surprised many fans.
Daly and Winkleman are widely regarded as the defining faces of Strictly.
Daly’s involvement dates back to the show’s inception 21 years ago, initially co-presenting alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth. Winkleman joined as co-host of the results show in 2010, eventually succeeding Sir Bruce as a permanent fixture in 2014.
Before that, Winkleman had hosted Strictly’s companion show, It Takes Two, since 2004.
Notably, the duo became the first all-female presenting team on prime-time Saturday night television.
Speculation is rife regarding their potential replacements, with names such as Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Janette Manrara, Alan Carr, and Holly Willoughby being suggested.
Warning: This article contains spoilers about Strictly Come Dancing’s Christmas special
Early in the Christmas special, Anton Du Beke briefly interrupted Daly to announce that he and the other judges had organised “a whip round” to gift her an Argentinian Tango – the host’s favourite dance – as a farewell gesture.
She was then promptly swept off her feet and spun around by Strictly professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.
“Best present ever,” Daly exclaimed, slightly breathless. She was subsequently awarded a generous score of 12 out of 10 by Du Beke.
The presenter later offered a “little snuggle” to Craig Revel Horwood, often perceived as the most critical of the judges.
“I’ve always wanted to do this,” Daly, 56, said with a smile, as she embraced the judge.
Strictly’s long-standing musical director and arranger, Dave Arch, then presented a silent tribute to Winkleman, conveying his message through cue cards in the style of the 2003 Christmas film Love Actually.
“To me you are perfect,” he declared in writing, before playfully adding: “Even though you are orange.”
More hugs ensued.
On the dancefloor, the Christmas special featured six couples competing for the glitterball trophy.
The celebrity contestants included comedian Babatunde Aléshé, All Saints member Mel Blatt, Westlife’s Brian McFadden, former rugby player Jodie Ounsley – also known as Fury from the TV show Gladiators – and EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey.
Ultimately, it was former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and professional dancer Vito Coppola who cha-cha-cha’d their way to victory, achieving a perfect score of 10 from each of the judges.
“This is honestly the greatest gift that ever could’ve happened at Christmas,” a visibly shocked Moffatt said.
In a joint statement released on Instagram in October, Winkleman and Daly described hosting the show as “an absolute dream”.
In 2024, during Strictly’s 20th anniversary year, the pair were awarded the entertainment programme honour at the Bafta TV Awards.
Earlier this year, Winkleman – who also hosts The Traitors – and Daly were appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles III at investiture ceremonies held at Windsor Castle, in recognition of their contributions to broadcasting.
Last Saturday marked an emotional occasion in the ballroom as they hosted the main Strictly final for the last time, with Queen Camilla among those offering tributes to the long-standing hosts.
In a message read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood, Queen Camilla stated that their “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness” had been central to the show’s success, adding: “I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous.”
Following a turbulent few years for the show, speculation has also arisen concerning the future direction of the competition.
However, entertainment journalist Emma Bullimore suggests that the hosting role will remain highly sought after.
“Make no mistake, this is still a huge gig on British TV,” she told BBC News. “Not many shows bring families together in the way Strictly does.”
The current Strictly series, which commenced in September, has been viewed within media circles as a form of reboot for the long-running and highly successful BBC show.
This follows controversies last year relating to the behaviour of certain professional dancers, and in August, the launch of a BBC investigation into alleged drug use by two of the show’s stars, alongside the arrest of an unnamed star on suspicion of rape (it is understood that this development was not related to the current series).
BBC executives were eager to refocus attention from these matters back onto the show itself.
However, the controversies have persisted. In October, a second unnamed star from the show was arrested on suspicion of rape. This development, which was reported in November, is also understood to be unrelated to the current series.
Bullimore acknowledges that it’s “difficult to know” whether these various scandals influenced Daly and Winkleman’s decision to leave.
However, she also asserts that despite the controversies, hosting the show would remain “very attractive” to any presenter.
The BBC has stated that plans for the show’s format in 2026 will be revealed in due course.
Fans do not have long to wait, as the show returns in the UK on Boxing Day and then New Year’s Day.
The presenter, who has become a staple on 1Xtra’s airwaves, will host his final show in January.
A film crew from the dancing show visits Bournemouth University to interview students.
Karen Carney, from Solihull, becomes the first footballer to win Strictly Come Dancing
The teenager says he felt the drama, which sparked a national debate, was “more than a TV show”.
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