Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted their final live Strictly Come Dancing show on Saturday night, bringing an emotional end to their partnership as the BBC dance competition's presenters. The grand final marked the conclusion of more than a decade co-hosting together, with Daly having presented the show since its launch in 2004.
The duo announced their departure in October, stating it "feels like the right time" after what they called "an absolute dream" tenure. Their final live appearance featured Karen Carney, George Clarke, and Amber Davies competing for the Glitterball trophy.
The Queen paid personal tribute to the departing hosts during the finale. Judge Craig Revel Horwood read out Camilla's message, which praised their partnership. «As you prepare to take your final twirl, I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week,» the Queen said. «The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success.»
Emotional Farewell
The presenters became visibly emotional throughout the broadcast. Daly posted on Instagram hours before the show: «Not even live and cried and hugged more than I can count.» Her husband Vernon Kay and daughter Phoebe were spotted in the audience supporting her final appearance.
Professional dancers and judges surprised Winkleman during the voting announcement by dressing as her doppelgangers, complete with signature black fringed wigs. «Oh my god! I can't cope!» she screamed upon seeing the tribute. Winkleman's blazer displayed their catchphrase "keep dancing" emblazoned on the back.
Fans expressed sadness on social media about the duo's departure. One viewer posted: «I don't think Strictly will be strictly without Tess and Claud.»
Historic Tenure
Daly recently received a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving host of the same dance competition television show, having presented for 21 years and 216 days. She initially co-hosted with Sir Bruce Forsyth from 2004 until his retirement in 2013, when Winkleman joined the main show after previously hosting companion show It Takes Two.
In their joint statement announcing the departure, they said: «We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.»
The pair will make one final pre-recorded appearance in the Christmas Day festive special. The BBC has not yet announced their replacements, though speculation includes Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Holly Willoughby among potential candidates. BBC boss Kate Phillips confirmed the search will begin in the new year.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
