Claudia Winkleman Opens Up About Strictly Come Dancing Departure
Claudia Winkleman has publicly explained for the first time the reasoning behind her decision to step down from hosting Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly. The popular presenter, aged 54, stated that the choice was mutual and planned well in advance, with no connection to recent controversies surrounding the programme.
Timing and Motivation for the Exit
In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, Winkleman revealed that she and Daly, aged 56, began considering their departure approximately one year before officially announcing it in October 2025. "It occurred to both of us about a year before," she confirmed. "The show deserves new. We wanted to leave when we were on an absolute high." The pair had described hosting the BBC dance competition as "an absolute dream" in their joint statement, but had not previously disclosed their specific motivations.
Denial of Scandal Influence
Winkleman was emphatic in dismissing any suggestion that their exit was related to the Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington scandal, which prompted an internal review of professional dancers' conduct. "Absolutely not," she asserted. "It is a genuinely beautiful show to be part of. Almost every single person who’s taken part is happy they did. So no, it wasn’t that." She emphasised that the show remains a positive experience for participants, despite the behind-the-scenes issues that have surfaced in recent years.
Emotional Farewell and Royal Tribute
The presenter recounted the emotional impact of filming their final segment during the live final of the latest series. After completing the piece to camera, Winkleman went to her husband, film producer Kris Thykier, and wept over the "momentous" conclusion. "It was 20 years of my life," she added, reflecting on her extensive involvement with Strictly, which included hosting the sister show It Takes Two since 2004 before joining the main programme in 2014.
During their final live episode in December 2025, the duo received a special tribute from Queen Camilla, read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood. The Queen praised their "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness" as central to the show's success, concluding, "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous." Daly had originally begun presenting Strictly 21 years ago alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Future Replacements and Projects
While Winkleman remained coy about potential successors, strong favourites to take over hosting duties include Zoe Ball and Alex Jones, with an official announcement anticipated in the summer ahead of the new series launching in September. Meanwhile, Winkleman will continue to stay busy with other television commitments. She currently presents The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off, and is set to launch her own BBC chat show in March, ensuring her presence remains prominent on British screens.
