The glitterball will sparkle one last time for the iconic presenting duo of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the BBC unveils a first look at their farewell during the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special. The pair, who announced their departure earlier this year, will oversee the festive celebrations for a final outing on December 25 at 5:30pm.
A Royal Tribute to a Legendary Partnership
Their emotional exit was highlighted during Saturday's series finale, where they received a truly regal send-off. Long-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood delivered a surprise, heartfelt letter from Queen Camilla, a devoted fan of the ballroom show. An emotional Craig read the tribute moments before the results were revealed, leaving both hosts visibly moved.
The Queen Consort's message praised their "utterly fabulous" partnership, stating: "I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships... If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all." She thanked them on behalf of millions of viewers and urged them to "keep dancing."
One Final Festive Show
For their last appearance, Tess and Claudia posed beneath the glitterball in stunning outfits. Tess Daly wore a white suit adorned with silver sequins, while Claudia Winkleman chose a flowing blush maxi dress. They will be joined by the full judging panel of Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke for the Christmas Special.
The special will feature a festive line-up of celebrities, including:
- Scarlett Moffatt (35, TV presenter) with partner Vito Coppola
- Jodie Ounsley (24, Gladiator) with partner Neil Jones
- Babatunde Aleshe (39, Comedian) with partner Nancy Xu
- Melanie Blatt (50, All Saints singer) with partner Kai Widdrington
- Nicholas Bailey (54, EastEnders actor) with partner Luba Mushtuk
- Brian McFadden (45, Westlife singer) with partner Michelle Tsiakkas
The studio audience will cast votes to decide the winner after the judges deliver their festive feedback.
The End of an Era
The duo announced their decision to step down after 21 years, marking the end of an era for the flagship BBC series. Tess, who has co-hosted since the show's 2004 launch alongside the late Bruce Forsyth, described Strictly as feeling "like having a third child." Claudia, who first joined the Strictly universe on 'It Takes Two', called hosting the main show "the greatest relationship of my career."
Saturday's finale featured a touching montage and tributes from show staff and special guests, including Mary Berry. As they prepare to pass on the "very sparkly baton," their final Christmas Special promises to be a memorable celebration of their groundbreaking partnership and the joy they brought to Saturday nights for over two decades.
