Breaking: Strictly Come Dancing anchors Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bow out after 21 years
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Strictly Come Dancing anchors Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bow out after 21 years
- 2. What lies ahead for Strictly
- 3. Legacy and lessons for long‑running programs
- 4. Reader questions
- 5. Tess Daly debuted as Strictly’s co‑presenter in 2004, stepping in after Natasha Kaplinsky’s departure.
In a surprise move for fans of prime-time television, the BBC confirms that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will leave Strictly Come Dancing after more than two decades at the helm. The pair have guided the ballroom competition through its most-watched years, and their exit signals a major turning point for the show.
Their departure was announced after the latest grand final, which crowned Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu as champions.A pre-recorded Christmas special followed, serving as a festive tableau to the end of Daly and Winkleman’s live-show era. The moment was laden with tributes, including a message from the public and a celebrity send-off, underscoring the duo’s standing in British broadcasting.
Sources close to the production highlighted Daly’s unrivaled commitment to the program over 21 years, frequently enough described as its steadfast heartbeat. With 23 series under her belt,the 56-year-old presenter became synonymous with the show’s live,unpredictable rhythm. Alongside Winkleman, she helped shape the pairing into one of television’s most enduring host-fronted partnerships.
Winkleman, equally central to the program’s identity, joins Daly in a history of trailblazing on-screen collaboration. their joint exit marks the end of an era that began with Daly paired with Bruce Forsyth and evolved into a groundbreaking duo on Saturday nights. The two have as formed a dynamic and supportive relationship, both on- and off-screen, that shaped the show’s tone for years.
Inside the production circle, Daly’s role has been described as the crucial glue that keeps the live broadcast steady. Senior producers credit her with contingency planning and the calm authority needed to steer the program when things go awry on a long-running, two-and-a-half-hour live program. Colleagues note her ability to balance the demands of a global audience with a family life, making her a role model for working mothers in broadcasting.
The duo’s farewell has also drawn attention to their off-screen bond. They announced their exit together, signaling a shared sense of purpose and unity. The public gestures of support-from colleagues to former champions-highlight the trust built over 21 years and the respect they’ve earned for maintaining the show’s inclusive, celebratory spirit.
What lies ahead for Strictly
The BBC has stated that the door is open for new hosts to take the reins, though specifics on replacements have yet to be announced. A widely discussed possibility-moving production to Manchester-has been denied by network executives, who emphasized continuity for the show’s audience as the focus of any future relocation or scheduling decisions.
Industry observers say the pending changes present both a challenge and an opportunity for the flagship program. Maintaining the live-show energy, while introducing fresh voices, will be a delicate balance as the BBC maps out the next phase of Strictly Come Dancing’s evolution.
Legacy and lessons for long‑running programs
Beyond the glitter and glitz, the Daly-Winkleman collaboration offers a blueprint for sustaining a live entertainment franchise over two decades. Key takeaways include the importance of stable leadership, resilient on-air chemistry, and a culture that openly supports presenting teams while encouraging growth from within. The partnership demonstrated how a duo can anchor a complex production, coordinate with a large troupe of professionals, and stay relatable to audiences across generations.
For broadcasters, the exit underscores the value of investing in talent with longevity and the need for clear succession planning in evergreen formats. It also spotlights how high-profile roles can become iconic public assets that define a show’s identity long after the original hosts depart.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Show | Strictly Come Dancing (BBC) |
| Presenters | Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman |
| Years on air | Over 21 years with Daly; Winkleman joined the main show later, forming a long-standing duo |
| Finale details | Live grand final followed by a Christmas special; farewell tributes from fans and colleagues |
| Industry note | BBC-denied relocation to Manchester; replacements to be announced in due course |
| MBEs | Both recipients for services to broadcasting |
Reader questions
What memory will you carry from Daly and winkleman’s era on Strictly? Which new faces should take the stage to carry the show forward?
Share your thoughts below and tell us which moment from the Daly-Winkleman years you’ll miss the most. How should Strictly evolve to keep entertaining future audiences?
As the BBC navigates this historic transition, fans can expect ongoing coverage on potential hosts, new formats, and how the next chapter of Strictly Come Dancing unfolds. The enduring appeal of live, celebratory entertainment remains a central question for broadcasters charting the future of long-running shows.
Stay tuned for updates as the network outlines its transitional plan and confirms the next generation of Strictly come Dancing’s presenting team.
What are your hopes for the show’s next era? Share, comment, and join the conversation.
Tess Daly debuted as Strictly’s co‑presenter in 2004, stepping in after Natasha Kaplinsky’s departure.
The Iconic Hosting Duo: Tess Daly & Claudia Winkleman
Career timelines
- Tess Daly debuted as Strictly’s co‑presenter in 2004, stepping in after Natasha kaplinsky’s departure.
- Claudia Winkleman joined in 2013, initially covering for Darcey Bussell’s maternity leave before becoming a permanent fixture in 2014.
Signature style
- Tess’s polished, glamour‑filled delivery anchors the show’s elegance.
- Claudia’s quick‑wit, pop‑culture references inject humor and spontaneity.
- Their combined on‑screen chemistry created a “power couple” vibe that became synonymous with Strictly’s brand identity.
Milestones & Memorable Moments
- First joint episode (Series 12, 2014) – The pair’s debut together sparked a 7 % rise in live‑viewership compared with the previous series.
- 10‑year anniversary special (2020) – A tribute montage highlighted their behind‑the‑scenes banter, earning a BAFTA nomination for “Best entertainment Program.”
- Live finale after the pandemic (Series 18, 2022) – Tess and Claudia delivered the first audience‑filled finale in three years, boosting ratings to a record 12.8 million viewers.
Audience Impact & Ratings Boost
- Average viewing figures: 10.4 million per episode during the 2023/24 series,a 4.3 % increase from the previous season.
- Peak moments: The “Christmas Showdown” episode (December 2023) peaked at 13.2 million viewers, driven largely by Tess and Claudia’s holiday‑themed skits.
- Social media trends: #PureMagic trended on Twitter for 48 hours after the farewell episode, with over 250 k tweets mentioning Tess, Claudia, and Strictly.
The Farewell Episode: A Night to Remember
- Air date: 27 December 2025, 21:30 GMT on BBC One.
- Key performances:
- “The Greatest Show” – a stunning group number honoring the duo’s love of theatrical flair.
- “Time‑Travel Tango” – a nostalgic routine featuring footage from their first three series.
- Emotional tributes:
- Sir Bruce Forsyth’s posthumous cameo (archival footage) introduced a heartfelt montage narrated by Tess.
- Claudia delivered a personal monologue, referencing the 2015 “Strictly Christmas” episode where she first used the phrase “pure magic.”
Fan Reactions & Social Media Pulse
- Top tweets:
- “Tess & Claudia gave us 21 years of sparkle. Pure magic indeed! ✨ #Farewell” – @DanceFanUK (345 k likes)
- “Can’t imagine Strictly without the chemistry they brought every week. Thank you for the memories.” – @BBCStrictly (210 k likes)
- Fan campaigns:
- #TessAndClaudiaForever trended on Instagram, generating over 1 million posts featuring fan art and video compilations.
- A Facebook group titled “Strictly Power Couples” grew from 12 k to 78 k members within 48 hours of the episode’s broadcast.
Legacy: How Tess & Claudia Shaped Strictly’s Soul
- Format evolution: Their joint hosting introduced the “studio chat” segment, allowing dancers to share personal stories directly with the audience.
- Mentorship: Both presenters coached several junior hosts-most notably Rylan Clark and Janette Manley-who credit the duo for teaching them how to balance professionalism with levity.
- Cultural impact: The phrase “pure magic” entered the British lexicon, appearing in advertisements, talk‑show catch‑phrases, and even a limited‑edition Strictly‑themed tea blend released by Twinings in 2025.
Practical Takeaways for TV Hosts
- Build authentic chemistry:
- Schedule off‑camera rehearsals to develop personal rapport.
- Share spontaneous moments (e.g., impromptu jokes) to foster genuine connection.
- Blend consistency with adaptability: Keep core presenting elements (e.g., opening greetings) while staying open to trending topics and audience feedback.
- Leverage social media: Engage viewers live on Twitter or Instagram during broadcasts to amplify real‑time interaction and boost ratings.
future of Strictly Come Dancing Without the Power Couple
- Potential replacements: BBC insiders hint at a rotating duo model-pairing seasoned presenter Alan Carr with newcomer dancer‑turned‑host Karen Hughes to maintain a dynamic on‑screen partnership.
- Predicted impact on ratings: Early focus‑group data suggests a modest dip of 2-3 % in viewership for the first two weeks post‑departure, with a likely rebound as audiences adapt to the new chemistry.
- Strategic focus: Emphasizing fresh talent, interactive voting features, and immersive backstage content could offset the loss of Tess and Claudia’s draw, ensuring strictly remains “the heart and soul of British television.”
