Tess Daly receives surprise gifts from her daughters as Strictly crew bid farewell ahead of last show

Tess Daly is gearing up for what she has described as a final chapter on Strictly Come Dancing, with a day of small celebrations and heartfelt tributes coming from her daughters and the show’s crew ahead of her last live episode.

The television presenter, 56, woke up on finals day to a cascade of treats arranged by her daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16. In an Instagram update, Daly shared a video showing the assortment of goodies placed in her home, including chocolate bars of various kinds, a collection of throwback photographs from her time on Strictly, and a bag of Terry’s Chocolate Orange with a sign that read: “Mum they have the popping candy ones!!!!” Daly is married to Vernon Kay, with whom she shares her two daughters, and she has previously described their support as a constant source of encouragement as she prepares to exit the show after 21 years.

Alongside the personal gifts, Daly shared a mirror message from the Strictly crew: “Tess, thank you for everything! We will miss you dearly. Love, All the team Strictly x.” In her caption, she expressed gratitude for the “best team” as she approached the final rehearsal day and the last live broadcast of her career on the program. The BBC icon had previously announced that she would be stepping down as host after 21 years, exiting with co-host Claudia Winkleman.

Daly began presenting Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, whose long-standing partnership with the show helped shape its early years. Forsyth retired in 2013, the year Claudia Winkleman took over as Daly’s on-screen partner. Daly’s decision to leave comes after a milestone run that has spanned more than two decades, during which she has become a familiar face to generations of viewers.

Ahead of Saturday night’s grand finale and Daly’s final live show, she used social media to reveal more of the backstage surprise that awaited her. In one post from the iconic set, she shared a group snap of the crew as they lined up for a memory-filled photo, writing that her last day of rehearsals left her heart “so full” and that she would always cherish the Strictly family. She also posted a shot of her dressing room, decorated with photographs from over the years and a banner reading “Thank you for the memories,” complemented by a table strewn with party sweets and confetti.

The final episode will mark a significant moment for the franchise, which has seen Daly play a central role since its inception. Her departure mirrors the end of an era for fans who grew up watching her evolve alongside the show’s evolving format and its rotating group of partners. While Daly has not publicly disclosed post-Strictly plans, the announcements and tributes underscore the sense of completion around her 21-year tenure.

As Daly prepares to close this chapter, colleagues, viewers, and family members alike are sharing messages of appreciation for her steady presence, warm humor, and ability to connect with contestants and audiences alike. The celebration of Daly’s career reflects not only the longevity of a single host but the cultural footprint of a program that has remained a staple of Saturday night television for more than two decades.