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Tess Daly shares farewell post to BBC Strictly Come Dancing
Tess and presenting partner Claudia Winkleman revealed in October that they were set to leave the competition after this series.
While the duo will appear on the Strictly Christmas special on Christmas Day, the final yesterday (December 20) was their last live show appearance.
Now, after an emotional night for the pair, judges, crew and more, Tess, who is married to Bolton’s Vernon Kay has shared a statement saying goodbye to the series.
Vernon was among the audience of last night’s emotional show
Tess Daly shares farewell post to Strictly Come Dancing
Taking to Instagram, Tess said: “So that’s a wrap. What an incredible Final – fitting for what, for me, has been an absolutely brilliant series.
“Strictly is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda.
“That love is down to every single member of the brilliant team that makes it, because to none of them is it just a job. It is a gift, and it is truly treasured.
“I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you.
“I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been.
“It has been the most wonderful privilege to have shared it with you all for so many years.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories of a lifetime.”
Claudia was one of many who commented, sending three hearts to her presenting partner.
Among the rumoured replacements were Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball, who also sent their support.
Rylan said: “Love you both so much. Irreplaceable.”
Zoe added: “Bravo Tess. You’re an absolute goddess.”
Why did Tess and Claudia quit Strictly?
The duo announced in October that they were leaving Strictly Come Dancing .
The co-hosts, who have fronted the series together since 2014, said: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.
“We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.”
In the statement, Tess added separately that “it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins”.
Tess has presented the series since it first launched in 2004 alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Iconic duos.#Strictly #StrictlyFinal #StrictlyComeDancing pic.twitter.com/T5qZlsDoHM
— Matthew Rimmer (@MatthewRimmer) December 20, 2025
Claudia first began on its weekday companion show, It Takes Two, but went on to host the Sunday night results show alongside Tess and joined the main show every Saturday from 2014, after Sir Bruce stepped down.
The pair picked up the entertainment programme gong at the Bafta TV Awards in 2024 and were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for their services to broadcasting.
Who is replacing Tess and Claudia on Strictly?
There have been several names rumoured to be in the running the be the new presenters on Strictly.
Among them are Alan Carr, Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh, and It Takes Two star Janette Manrara.
Nothing has yet been confirmed by the BBC.
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Appearing on BBC Breakfast to speak ahead of Saturday’s final, Janette was asked if she had put her name in the running.
She replied: “That is like the golden ticket to Willy Wonka, you know? Nobody knows. Nobody knows what’s happening.
“I think right now, all I do know is that all of our producers, the incredible exec, Sarah James, they’re really, really focusing on this series, on these contestants, giving a proper goodbye to Tess and Claudia, and for the finalists to just have the best, best night.”
