Strictly bosses lining up huge on-air surprise for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on last live show
Anton Du Beke says he's stunned by their exit as producers plan a star-studded farewell
Strictly Come Dancing bosses are lining up a huge on-air surprise for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman during their final live show, a moment that caps a long-running partnership that has helped define the BBC competition for years. The surprise is being planned as Daly, 56, and Winkleman, 53, prepare to step down after the Christmas special, which was prerecorded earlier this month.
Daly has been a presence on the show since its first episode in 2004, presenting alongside the late Bruce Forsyth. Forsyth retired in 2013 and died in 2017; Winkleman took over as co-host when Forsyth left, making this their final live broadcast together. The decision to leave has been described by colleagues as a significant moment for the show. The tribute plan remains tightly guarded by Strictly producers while Daly and Winkleman remain in the dark about the on-air surprise.
An insider told The Sun that the farewell will include a sequence of video messages and cameos from famous stars, designed to cap off what organizers describe as an incredible run for two Strictly legends who helped shape the contest as it stands today. The surprise element is intended to be a pinnacle moment for viewers and will be framed by what producers hope will be a moving and celebratory send-off.
Officials have not disclosed the exact format, but the intention is for Tess and Claudia to be surprised in a way that reflects their long service to the show. The plan underscores how producers have kept details tightly under wraps to preserve the moment for television.
Anton Du Beke, a former professional dancer and current judge and presenter on the show, spoke about the hosts’ exit in a recent interview and said he remains stunned by their decision. He told The Mirror that he expects to be emotional too, adding that he might attribute his reaction to age: “I’ll be emotional too – I can’t help it now, I think it might be my age. I’m still a bit stunned that they’ve decided to leave.”
On Friday, Daly marked her final day of rehearsal on Strictly with a heartfelt post about the crew. She shared a behind-the-scenes image from the iconic set and wrote that her heart was “so full” and that she would carry the Strictly family with her. Her dressing room was reported to have been decorated with photos spanning years, accompanied by a banner reading “Thank you for the memories” and a spread of colorful treats as a send-off.
Vernon Kay, Daly’s husband, also spoke about the emotional moment, describing how he anticipated struggling to hold back tears as he prepared to watch his wife’s final performances. The couple’s public tributes in recent days have underscored the deep affection for Daly and Winkleman among colleagues, cast, and audiences alike.
Earlier this month, viewers were treated to a moving tribute during the previous results show, when judges and fellow contestants surprised the pair with a montage of their best moments. The show’s panel and guests have repeatedly singled out the duo’s warmth, humor, and professionalism as hallmarks of the program’s enduring appeal.
As the Christmas special approaches, fans are watching closely for details about how the program will honor Daly and Winkleman during their last live broadcast together. The final episode is set to be prerecorded earlier this month, with the live show serving as the formal farewell to two of Strictly’s most recognizable faces. While viewers await specifics, many anticipate an emotional, high-profile send-off that could be remembered as a defining moment in the show’s history.