Beloved Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are reportedly planning one last, alcohol-fuelled celebration with their closest colleagues after presenting their final live show. The duo, who have fronted the BBC juggernaut for a combined 21 years, bid an emotional on-air farewell this weekend but intend to host a more private, proper send-off in the New Year.
Final Curtain Call and Intimate Plans
The presenting pair hosted their last ever live episode of the glitterball competition on Saturday, 16th December. They will appear for a final time in the pre-recorded Christmas Special, which airs on Thursday, 21st December. While both attended the main series wrap party over the weekend, insiders reveal a separate, more intimate gathering is in the works.
A source close to the show told The Sun: 'Tess and Claudia are arranging a big Strictly gathering in the New Year for all the team to get together and have a proper boozy send-off.' They added: 'It'll be a long lunch with all their closest friends on the show where everyone can really let loose behind closed doors. Claudia only stayed for a quiet drink on Saturday so this intimate wrap party will be a lovely goodbye for everyone.'
At the weekend's party, Tess Daly, 56, was reportedly among the last to leave, even leading a rousing singalong of 'Three Lions' to celebrate footballer Karen Carney's win. Claudia Winkleman, 53, however, departed after a single drink, saving herself for the planned festivities ahead.
A Royal Send-Off and On-Screen Goodbyes
Their final live show on Saturday was packed with heartfelt tributes. The most notable was a surprise letter from Queen Camilla, read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood. The Queen Consort praised their 'warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness', calling theirs 'the greatest strictly partnership of all'. Both presenters were visibly moved, with Tess stating she was lost for words and Claudia calling it an 'amazing' surprise.
Thursday's Christmas Special will also feature special goodbyes. Tess, who has been with Strictly since its first episode in 2004 alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, will be swept into an Argentine Tango by professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. Claudia, who took over from Sir Bruce in 2013, will receive a farewell from the show's musical director, Dave Arch, styled as a nod to the romantic comedy Love Actually.
The End of an Era
The duo announced their joint departure in a video posted on Instagram in October, stating the time had come to 'pass over the baton'. Tess reflected on joining when her children were 'babes in arms', while Claudia expressed gratitude to the entire team behind the scenes, emphasising that 'Strictly is the people who make it'.
Their exit marks the end of a defining chapter for the BBC's flagship entertainment show. As they prepare for their final on-screen appearance and a private, celebratory lunch to come, the nation will undoubtedly tune in to say goodbye to two of television's most iconic hosts.
