Tess Daly tears as Strictly tributes pour in on final show

On Saturday's finale of Strictly Come Dancing, Tess Daly received an emotional send-off as Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood delivered an impromptu tribute that brought tears to the long-time host's eyes. Daly, 56, has led the ballroom for 21 years on the BBC series, exiting the show alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman.

Du Beke and Horwood, both fixtures since Strictly's 2004 inception, paused as Daly received a special moment from the judging panel. The night also included tributes from the Strictly team, Bake Off star Mary Berry and a royal nod from Queen Camilla.

During Anton's turn, he grew emotional and said he had loved watching Daly dance and then told her he had enjoyed spending the last 21 years with her. The moment drew a round of applause and Daly struggled to keep her composure.

Craig followed by joking that he was there to ruin the mood, then echoed his fellow judges in praising Daly. He noted that the group would miss Daly deeply and dearly.

Daly, fighting back tears, thanked the judges and said that she loved them.

Earlier in the show, Daly and Winkleman were treated to a video tribute tracing their years on the program. Viewers and crew joined in paying tribute, with many praising the two as groundbreaking and iconic.

Mary Berry offered warm wishes, calling the partnership joyful and sparkling, while Queen Camilla sent a royal send-off via a letter that highlighted the strength of the Strictly friendships and bonds and urged Daly and Winkleman to keep dancing.

The finale also reflected the broader context that Daly and Winkleman had announced their exit earlier in the year, bringing to an end an era on the ballroom floor. Daly described Strictly as more than a television program, likening it to a third child and a second family, while Claudia called hosting the show the greatest relationship of her career.

Both women thanked the Strictly team for the years on the air, noting that the show is built by the people who make it.