After being a staple on our screens for years, TV icons Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced they will be stepping down from presenting Strictly Come Dancing after this series.
The news was first announced by the couple on social media this morning and has sent shockwaves through 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 couple as: “Legends of the ballroom and Saturday night prime time TV”, while judge Motsi Mabuse added “I’m worried about the news”. Tess and Claudia were trending on right 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 say goodbye to Strictly Ballroom. They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and commitment has been an integral part of them. Strictly’s success over the past 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 great presenters, and they are great friends to me and so many others at the BBC. Thank you Tess and Claud for everything, we will miss you tremendously.”
Tess and Claudia have hosted together Strictly Come Dancing together since 2014. Tess has presented the show since its very first episode alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth while Claudia originally presented Strictly: It takes two before moving over to co-host the results show with Tess in 2010. Since 2014, Tess and Claudia have presented the main program and the results show together and were the first all-female duo to host a prime-time entertainment program on British television. 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 will be their last appearance together Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Specialwhich airs on Christmas Day. Plans for Strictly Come Dancing 2026 will be announced in due course.
Let us know your thoughts on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on ThePlayerLounge socials now!
| | |
