Tess Daly appeared distracted and fluffed her lines during a live recording of Strictly Come Dancing just before she and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from the show, according to an audience member.
The superfan, who attended last week's recording, told the Daily Mail that Daly seemed 'not quite like her bubbly self' and 'had lots on her mind'. The presenter, who has fronted the show since 2004, had to retake several lines during the results show, apologising to the audience with 'I don't normally mess up'.
The 56-year-old and Winkleman, 52, shocked fans on Thursday with a joint video announcement that they would be stepping down after this series. In the video, Daly said: 'After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly we have decided the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton.'
The pair have hosted together since 2010, following the departure of Sir Bruce Forsyth. Daly initially presented alongside Forsyth from the show's inception. In their statement, they said: 'We will cry when we say the last "keep dancing" but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza!'
Suzy Lamb, Managing Director of Entertainment at BBC Studios, paid tribute to the duo, saying: 'Tess brought elegance, poise, and a genuine love for the show that never waned from the very start. And with Claudia's charm and razor-sharp wit... it cemented a partnership that has kept our audience captivated ever since.'
