Producers of Strictly Come Dancing are reportedly preparing a highly emotional farewell for its legendary presenting duo, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, as they gear up for their final show. The grand final, scheduled for December 20, will feature a special 'best bits' compilation celebrating their two-decade tenure on the hit BBC programme.
An End of an Era for the Iconic Duo
The pair, who made history as the BBC's first all-female hosting team for a major entertainment show, stunned the nation in October by announcing this series would be their last. A television insider revealed the plans for a nostalgic montage, stating it would span their over 20 years on the programme. "Tess and Claudia have shared so many special memories — there will not be a dry eye on the dancefloor," the source told The Sun.
The source added that the evening would be "hugely emotional for the cast and crew" as they mark the conclusion of a significant chapter in British television history. While the segment promises to be a poignant moment, insiders confirm it will also serve as a celebration of their immense achievements. The farewell will include a few other surprises for the beloved hosts, affectionately known to many as 'Tess and Claude'.
Search for Successors and a Potential Candidate Rules Himself Out
The search for their replacements is already underway, with the BBC understood to be looking for two new presenters to take the helm of the show, which continues to draw an impressive six million viewers weekly. Kate Phillips, the BBC's chief content officer, admitted her inbox had been "inundated" with expressions of interest.
However, one fan-favourite name appears to have taken himself out of the running. Comedian and presenter Alan Carr has announced a mammoth stand-up tour for 2027, which clashes directly with Strictly's crucial filming schedule in October and November. On key Saturdays, he has gigs booked in cities including Nottingham, Coventry, Plymouth, Bristol, London, and Dublin.
A Strictly insider explained the logistical impossibility, stating: "There is simply no way that Alan Carr will be able to do both his tour and the Strictly job. Saturdays are sacrosanct." While he could theoretically host the 2026 series, the source added that the BBC seeks long-term commitments, making a one-year stint unlikely.
A Final Bow and a Christmas Special Send-Off
Daly and Winkleman jointly announced their decision to leave, telling viewers, "We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time." Their last official hosting duties will be for the Strictly Christmas special airing on Christmas Day, which will feature celebrities including Westlife's Brian McFadden and All Saints' Melanie Blatt.
As the countdown to the final begins, the planned tribute underscores the profound impact the duo have had on one of the UK's most cherished television institutions. Representatives for Strictly Come Dancing declined to comment when approached by the Daily Mail.
