Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have presented their final episode of Strictly Come Dancing, marking the end of a glittering era for the BBC's flagship entertainment show. The duo shared an emotional goodbye during Saturday's grand finale, which saw former footballer Karen Carney and her professional partner Carlos Gu lift the Glitterball Trophy.
An End of an Era for the Beloved Presenters
Tess Daly, 56, has been the face of the competition since its first episode in 2004, initially presenting alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia Winkleman joined as a co-host in 2013, taking over from Sir Bruce upon his retirement. Together, they fronted the show for a mammoth 21 years and 216 days, becoming one of television's most beloved presenting partnerships.
Following the live broadcast, Tess took to social media to share a series of radiant behind-the-scenes photographs from her last show. The images captured the close bond between the two presenters, including one where Tess is seen gripping Claudia's hand tightly as they made their way to the ballroom floor.
Behind the Scenes of the Final Dance
The candid snaps offered fans a glimpse of the final preparations. Tess dazzled in a one-shouldered sequinned gown featuring a dramatic thigh-high slit, while Claudia sported her iconic black blazer with the show's famous catchphrase, 'Keep Dancing', emblazoned on the back.
Other photos showed Tess sharing a light-hearted moment with dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, who later escorted her down the famous Strictly staircase. She also posed with executive producer Sarah James and other crew members, captioning her post: "You better believe we’re gonna keep dancing ❤️ #LastDance."
In a separate, heartfelt tribute posted online, Tess thanked the viewers directly. "I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you," she wrote, describing Strictly as a show "made with love, where joy is the currency."
Royal Tribute and Speculation on Successors
The finale was packed with touching moments honouring the departing hosts. In a surprise segment, judge Craig Revel Horwood read a letter from Queen Camilla, who praised the pair's "warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness." The Queen Consort described their partnership as "perhaps the greatest strictly partnership of all." A visibly moved Tess struggled to speak, simply stating, "What an honour."
Celebrity friends flooded social media with support. Rylan Clark commented "Love you both so much. Irreplaceable," while Zoe Ball called Tess an "absolute Goddess." Claudia also shared images of Strictly-themed cakes and backstage pictures with her team.
With their exit confirmed, speculation has already begun about who will take over the hosting role. It Takes Two host Janette Manrara, who paid tribute to "our icons" Tess and Claudia, addressed the rumours on BBC Breakfast. "Who doesn't want that job? It's the best job in the world," she admitted, though no official announcement has been made.
The pair announced their decision to leave in a joint Instagram video in October, stating the time was right to "pass over the baton." Reflecting on their tenure, Claudia noted the show had been a part of their lives since their children were "babes in arms." As the confetti settles on their final series, the nation's weekends will undoubtedly feel different without them.
