After being a staple on our screens for years, TV icons Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced that they will be stepping down from presenting Strictly Come Dancing after this series.
The news was first announced by the pair on social media this morning and has caused shockwaves amongst fans of the beloved TV show, as well as the show’s professional dancers and judges.
It Takes Two host and former Strictly professional Janette Manrara described the pair as: “Legends of the ballroom and Saturday night prime time TV”, whilst judge Motsi Mabuse added “I’m reeling from the news”. Tess and Claudia were trending on X immediately after it was announced, with fans wondering what the show will look like going forward.
Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer for the BBC said: “I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but it’s the end of an era with Tess and Claudia’s decision to bid farewell to the Strictly ballroom. They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond. They’ve been integral to Strictly’s success over the last 20 years, but I understand why they’ve decided it’s time to hang up the glitter ball and get their weekends back. As Craig would say they are fab-u-lous presenters, and they are fab-u-lous friends to me and so many others at the BBC. Thank you Tess and Claud for everything, we will miss you hugely.”
Tess and Claudia have co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing together since 2014. Tess has presented the show since its very first episode alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth whilst Claudia originally presented Strictly: It Takes Two before moving over to host the results show alongside Tess in 2010. Since 2014, Tess and Claudia have presented the main show and results show together and were the first all-female duo to host a primetime entertainment programme on British TV. In June 2025, they were both made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their services to broadcasting.
Tess and Claudia will continue to host this year’s series, and their last appearance together will be the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which will air on Christmas Day. Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.
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