Tess Daly took centre stage for her final Strictly Come Dancing performance, dancing an Argentine Tango with professional Aljaž Škorjanec as a parting gift from the judges. The dance features in the Christmas special, which marks the last time viewers will see Tess and Claudia Winkleman hosting the series.
This is the first time Tess, 56, has performed on the show since 2008, when she danced with Anton du Beke in a Children in Need special. Dressed in a tailored white trouser suit, she appeared in her element during the complicated routine, at one point throwing her head back in delight as Škorjanec swept her off her feet.
Filming was emotional, with Tess seen wiping away tears after presenting alongside Claudia, her co-host of 15 years. An audience member told The Mirror: 'Tess and Claudia looked pretty choked as they grabbed hold of each other’s hands and said that this was the final time they were ever going to say “keeeeeep dancing”.' The insider added that Tess managed to compose herself between takes, but the audience gave them a standing ovation.
Tess, who has fronted the show since its launch in 2004 with Sir Bruce Forsyth, initially looked shocked when invited to perform the Argentine Tango. However, it became clear she had practiced the routine, following Škorjanec's instructions perfectly. Claudia also received an emotional send-off, with a Love Actually themed farewell from musical director Dave Arch.
The Christmas special, airing on Christmas Day, opens with a group number to 'Happy Holidays' featuring six celebrity contestants: Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, Jodie Ounsley, Nicholas Bailey, Babatunde Aleshe, and Brian McFadden, each dancing with professional partners. All four judges—Motsi Mabuse, Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, and Anton du Beke—will also appear.
