Beloved presenter Tess Daly has shared an emotional tribute to the Strictly Come Dancing team as she completed her final rehearsals, marking the end of an era on the BBC's flagship entertainment show.
An Emotional Send-Off From The Strictly Family
The 56-year-old host, who announced earlier this series that she would be stepping down after 21 years, took to Instagram to express her feelings. She posted a group photograph of the crew lined up on the show's iconic set, captioning it: 'My last day of rehearsals, my heart is so full, the Strictly family I’ll have forever.'
Daly's journey with the programme began in 2004, presenting the very first episode alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. She continued with Sir Bruce until his retirement in 2013, after which she was joined by her co-host Claudia Winkleman.
Surprise Tributes and Sweet Gestures
In a touching surprise, Tess arrived at the studio to find her dressing room decorated in her honour ahead of Saturday's grand finale. She was pictured beaming, surrounded by photographs from her two-decade tenure stuck to the wall beneath a banner that read: 'Thank you for the memories'.
A selection of colourful sweet treats adorned a coffee table scattered with silver and gold confetti, a gesture from the production team she has worked with for so long.
The emotional farewells extended beyond the studio. On his BBC Radio 2 show, her husband, Vernon Kay, 51, choked back tears as he paid a moving tribute. He reflected on her 'amazing 21 years' at the helm of the nation's favourite show and admitted he would struggle to hide his tears while watching in the audience on Saturday.
A Nation Says Thank You
Kay highlighted how the show had been a constant throughout their family life, noting their daughter Phoebe was 'in the belly during the first series' and is now 21. He praised the entire Strictly team for creating 'such a joy to work on' and celebrated the achievement of 'two women at the helm of the BBC's most successful entertainment show'.
Further tributes poured in from the world of sport and entertainment. Footballer Karen Carney shared a snap of Tess and Claudia, calling them 'absolute legends' and thanking them for making the experience special for everyone involved.
The judging panel, including Shirley Ballas and Craig Revel Horwood, had already surprised the presenting duo with a heartfelt video compilation of their best moments during the previous Sunday's results show, leaving both Tess and Claudia visibly moved.
As the final live show approaches, the Strictly Come Dancing family and its millions of viewers prepare to bid a fond and undoubtedly tearful farewell to one of its most iconic figures.
