Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman once again captivated the audience with their impeccable style, delivering a show-stopping sartorial display during the latest episode of the hit BBC programme.
Elegant Black Sequins Steal the Show
The presenting duo, who recently sent shockwaves through the Strictly fanbase by announcing their departure, chose a theme of sophisticated glamour for the evening. Claudia Winkleman, 53, radiated classic elegance in a black sequinned shirt and matching trousers, her signature heavy fringe and shoulder-length hair completing the polished look as she danced to Elton John's 'Saturday Night's Alright'.
Alongside her, Tess Daly, a fixture on the show for over two decades, opted for a breathtaking halter neck top and a flowing floor-length skirt, both embellished with black sequins. The ensemble perfectly highlighted her enviable figure, demonstrating the style prowess that has become a hallmark of the show.
In a poignant touch, both hosts prominently wore poppies on their outfits in a solemn tribute to Remembrance Day.
Viewer Reactions and The Halloween Controversy
This elegant display comes just weeks after the pair faced some viewer criticism during the show's Halloween special. While the judges embraced the spooky spirit with elaborate costumes, many fans took to social media to express their disappointment that Tess and Claudia did not join in the fancy dress.
One viewer questioned online, "How comes Tess and Claudia ain’t dressed up?" Another offered a mixed review of one outfit, stating, "That’s a nice dress if she didn’t have an old bit of material swinging off the back off it." However, the hosts also received praise, with one fan declaring they were "obsessed" with the pair's matching black velvet looks from a previous week.
A Landmark Announcement: The End of an Era
The glamorous appearance is set against the backdrop of a major announcement that has dominated headlines. The much-loved duo confirmed they are stepping down from their coveted roles after a remarkable 15 years presenting together and 21 years for Tess Daly on the show.
They decided to break the news publicly in the middle of the current series to avoid distracting from the grand final later this year. In a heartfelt video posted on social media, Claudia began, "Hi it's Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us..."
Tess then added, "Yeah we have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly we have decided the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton..." Claudia humorously interjected, "The very sparkly baton..." before acknowledging Tess's tenure since the very beginning in 2004 with the late Bruce Forsyth.
Reflecting on their long journey, Tess, a mother of two married to Vernon Kay, shared, "It's been a huge part of our lives, hasn't it? Since our children were literally babes in arms and now they're young adults and I think, genuinely we have cherished every second."
Both hosts extended their gratitude to the dedicated Strictly production team, calling them "the very best team in television," and to the loyal audience who have supported them throughout their two-decade tenure.
