The glitterball will shine on a new era this weekend as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman present their final ever episode of Strictly Come Dancing. The iconic duo, who have fronted the BBC's flagship entertainment show together for over a decade, are stepping down after an emotional series of farewells.
An Emotional Farewell from the Ballroom
Tess Daly, 56, and Claudia Winkleman, 53, confirmed their departure earlier in the series with a heartfelt video message posted to Instagram. In the clip, they addressed the "rumblings" directly, with Tess stating they had decided "the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton" after 21 wonderfully joyful years for Tess, who began hosting in 2004 with the late Bruce Forsyth.
Claudia, who joined as a permanent host in 2014, reflected on their partnership, telling Tess: "You've been here since the beginning." Tess replied, emphasising how the show had been a "huge part of our lives" since their children were "babes in arms."
Final Day Tributes and Surprises
As they counted down to their last live show, both hosts shared intimate glimpses of their final day in the ballroom. Tess revealed a surprise organised by her daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. They had prepared a thoughtful array of gifts at home, including chocolates, photos from her Strictly years, and a bag of Terry’s Chocolate Orange with a handwritten note about the popping candy version.
The Strictly crew also marked the occasion, decorating Tess's dressing room at the BBC studios with a handwritten message on her mirror. The note thanked her for everything she had given to the show and told her she would be "missed dearly." Tess expressed her gratitude, telling followers she felt lucky to work with "the best team."
Meanwhile, Claudia was spotted with her dog on set, the pooch reportedly there to offer some emotional support during the poignant final recordings with the show's finalists.
A Family Affair and the Future
The final show promises to be a deeply personal event. Tess's husband, Vernon Kay, shared that their eldest daughter Phoebe – who Tess was pregnant with during the very first series – would be in the audience to watch her mother's last show as host.
Their departure marks the end of a defining chapter for Strictly Come Dancing, with the BBC having reportedly already lined up their replacements, ready to take hold of the "very sparkly baton" the duo so fondly referenced. The emotional tributes from family, crew, and fans underscore the profound impact both presenters have had on one of British television's most beloved programmes.
