Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are reportedly organising an intimate, alcohol-fuelled farewell party to celebrate the end of their era on the hit BBC show.
An Emotional Final Curtain Call
The duo presented their final live episode on Saturday, which saw footballer Karen Carney lift the Glitterball Trophy with professional partner Carlos Gu. This broadcast marked the close of a remarkable 21-year journey for Tess Daly, who has fronted the show since its 2004 inception, and Claudia Winkleman, who joined the presenting team in 2014.
Their last live appearance together was an emotional affair, though viewers will see them one final time when the pre-recorded Christmas Special airs on Christmas Day.
Plans for a "Let Loose" Send-Off
While both hosts attended the main show wrap party over the weekend, insiders suggest a more personal celebration is being planned for the New Year. A source revealed the pair are plotting a "long lunch" for their closest friends from the Strictly family.
"It'll be a long lunch with all their closest friends on the show where everyone can really let loose behind closed doors," the source claimed. "Claudia only stayed for a quiet drink on Saturday so this intimate wrap party will be a lovely goodbye for everyone."
At the initial weekend party, Tess Daly was reportedly in high spirits, leading a singalong of 'Three Lions' in tribute to winner Karen Carney, while Claudia Winkleman departed after a single beverage.
A Royal Tribute and a Final Dance
The final live show was packed with poignant moments, including a surprise personal message from an avid fan, Queen Camilla. In a letter read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood, the Queen praised the hosts' "warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness," calling theirs "perhaps the greatest strictly partnership of all."
The upcoming Christmas Special will also feature historic moments. Tess Daly will finally take to the famous dancefloor herself, performing an Argentine Tango with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. Claudia Winkleman will receive a musical send-off from the show's musical director, Dave Arch, and his band, playing on their long-running on-screen 'romance' joke with a nod to the festive film Love Actually.
The special will also see the judging panel—Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse—present Tess with a special Christmas gift as the two beloved hosts bid their final televised farewell.
