Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Break Down in Tears During Final Strictly Rehearsals Ahead of 21-Year Exit
Longtime Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman tearful as they prepare for the grand finale, stepping down after 21 years; Daly has fronted the show since 2004 and Winkleman joined after Bruce Forsyth’s departure
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman broke into tears during their final rehearsals ahead of Strictly Come Dancing's grand finale, as the pair prepared to exit the show after 21 years on air. Daly, 56, and Winkleman, 53, announced in October that they would step down after this year's Christmas special, which was prerecorded earlier this month.
In clips posted to social media, the hosts could be seen embracing crew members and reading lines in the ballroom. Daly addressed the team, saying: "sharing it with all of you. I swear I love all of you because it's felt like we've shared part of our lives, our children and everything." The pair also accepted gifts and applause from the crew as they prepared to go out "with a bang" in the finale. Daly has fronted the show since its 2004 debut alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth; Forsyth retired in 2013, and Winkleman joined as co-host thereafter. Earlier this week Daly was recognized with a Guinness World Record for the longest-serving host of the same dance competition.
Separately, Thomas Skinner, the Apprentice star who appeared on the show, was the first celebrity voted off in October. He later claimed that BBC bosses rigged the official voting figures and said he was seeking legal advice. A BBC spokesman said Strictly Come Dancing's public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure accuracy.
Ahead of the 2025 Christmas special, the network released the lineup, which includes Scarlett Moffatt, Jodie Ounsley, Babatunde Aleshe, Melanie Blatt, Nicholas Bailey and Brian McFadden. The annual festive edition remains a touchstone for the franchise as it navigates changes in its presenting team.
On their departure, Daly and Winkleman posted a joint message to Instagram explaining that the time had come to "pass over the baton." Daly said: "We have news, after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton." Winkleman added: "There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us." The pair closed by thanking the Strictly team and acknowledging the show’s lasting impact on their lives and families, underscoring the human element that has defined their long tenure.