Strictly Come Dancing viewers were united in their praise for hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who turned heads with their stunning outfits for the show's final Blackpool Week special. The presenting duo, who have fronted the BBC programme for over 15 years, are set to depart after the current series, making this their last time hosting from the iconic Tower Ballroom.
Fashion Statements Steal the Show
Tess Daly captivated audiences in a chic white polka dot dress, allowing her blonde hair to flow freely. Meanwhile, Claudia Winkleman looked sensational in a striking sleeved red dress, perfectly complementing her signature heavy fringe. The pair shared a behind-the-scenes snap on Instagram moments before the broadcast, captioning it "We love you, Blackpool!"
The public's reaction on social media was immediate and overwhelmingly positive. One fan exclaimed, "IN LOVE WITH THESE DRESSES", while another declared their looks were "absolute fire", accompanied by flame emojis. A third viewer poignantly added, "The final Blackpool week with you both, you will be very missed!"
An Emotional Farewell to an Era
Fans have begun expressing their sadness about this being the hosts' final Blackpool special together. On the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, one person wrote: "Looking forward to @bbcstrictly tonight Live from #Blackpool Shame it's @TessDaly and @ClaudiaWinkle last ever hosting from #TheTowerBallroom though."
Another emotional fan posted: “Tess & Claudia's Last Blackpool #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing shows this weekend[heartbroken emoji] I AM EMOTIONAL! - I hope this is the biggest and best Blackpool week yet.” This sentiment was widely echoed across social media platforms, highlighting the pair's deep connection with the Strictly audience.
The End of a Glittering Chapter
The hosts confirmed their departure in a joint video announcement in October 2025. Sitting side-by-side, 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..."
Reflecting on their long tenure, Tess, who began hosting in 2004 with the late Bruce Forsyth, noted that Strictly had been a part of their lives since their children were "babes in arms" and were now young adults. Their final appearance on the programme is scheduled for the Christmas special on December 25. The BBC has not yet confirmed their replacements, with the search for new hosts expected to begin in 2026.
