The Queen has delivered a warm and personal tribute to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as the beloved duo hosted their last ever live episode of Strictly Come Dancing.
A Royal Farewell for a Legendary Duo
During the grand final on Saturday 20th December 2025, judge Craig Revel Horwood read a special message from Queen Camilla to the emotional presenters. The pair had announced their departure from the BBC dance competition back in October, marking the end of an era after over a decade fronting the main show together.
In her letter, the Queen expressed gratitude on behalf of the show's millions of weekly viewers. She reflected that Strictly is less about dancing and more about the friendships formed and the shared joy of a joint endeavour. Camilla went on to suggest that Daly and Winkleman's partnership may have been "the greatest Strictly partnership of all," praising their warmth, compassion, and the happiness they radiated.
Her message concluded with the iconic, playful sign-off: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous... Keeeeeeeep dancing!"
Emotional Tributes and a Festive Finale
The royal tribute was part of a series of heartfelt send-offs following performances from the 2025 finalists: West End star Amber Davies, former Lioness Karen Carney, and internet personality George Clarke. A video montage featured messages from fans, crew, and famous faces including Mary Berry.
Both hosts were visibly moved. Daly thanked everyone for their "lovely words," saying it had "meant the world," while Winkleman stated it had been "an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you." Their final appearance as a presenting pair will be in the pre-recorded Christmas Day special.
The duo's impact on British entertainment is significant; they won the Bafta TV Award for Best Entertainment Programme in 2024 and were both appointed MBEs in the King's Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting.
Royal Family's Connection to Strictly
Queen Camilla, who attends Silver Swans ballet classes and is a self-professed superfan, was not the only royal to share a message. The Duchess of Edinburgh, Sophie, also appeared in a video to praise finalist Ellie Goldstein, who made history as the first celebrity with Down's syndrome to compete on the show.
As patron of Mencap, the Duchess commended Goldstein for dispelling perceptions about people with learning disabilities. Goldstein returned to the dancefloor for a final group number with other 2025 contestants, rounding off an emotional and historic night for the long-running series.
