8:07 pm - October 23, 2025

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Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have actually revealed they will be leaving Strictly Come Dancing after the existing series ends. The set revealed the news on Instagram on Thursday, mentioning in a joint declaration that “now seems like the correct time” for them to leave the BBC program. In a video, Tess stated: “After 21 fantastic years on Strictly, we have actually chosen that the time is ideal to step aside and pass over the baton.”

Tess and Claudia’s declaration

” We have actually liked working as a duo and hosting Strictly has actually been an outright dream. We were constantly going to leave together and now seems like the correct time. We will have the best rest of this fantastic series and we simply wish to state a massive thank you to the BBC and to each and every single individual who deals with the program. They’re the most fantastic group and we’ll miss them every day. We will weep when we state the last ‘keep dancing’ however we will continue to state it to each other. Simply potentially in tracksuit bottoms in the house while holding some pizza.”

© BBC/Rob Parfitt
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are leaving Strictly

A declaration from Tess

Tess assessed her 21 “memorable” years as host of the program, which she referred to as like “having a 3rd kid” and a “2nd household”. She likewise shared her experience of co-hosting the program along with Sir Bruce Forsyth for 11 seasons.

” After 21 memorable years, the time has actually pertained to bid farewell to Strictly Come Dancing,” Tess started. “It’s tough to take into words what this program has actually indicated to me, so here goes … Strictly has actually been more than simply a tv program. It’s seemed like having a 3rd kid, a 2nd household, and a big part of my life because that really first program back in 2004. I understood then it was something unique, however I might never ever have actually pictured the magic it would bring. Strictly has actually constantly had to do with happiness, event, and bringing individuals together– and I’m so happy to have actually played a little part in something that continues to imply a lot to many. From that really first series, I had the terrific honour of standing along with the matchless Sir Bruce Forsyth.”

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman & Tess Daly © Guy Levy/ BBC
The set stated the time is ideal to leave the program

ENJOY: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman validate they’re leaving Strictly Come Dancing

Tess continued: “Brucie set the tone for whatever that Strictly ended up being: heat, wit, connection, and pure showbiz magic. I have actually constantly feared of our fantastically skilled expert dancers, our stunning judges, and all the stars who have actually participated. I definitely love our fantastic team– each and every single member of the Strictly group who have actually worked so relentlessly to make this program what it is. You are the absolute best in business – the kindest, most enjoyable, a lot of faithful, and absolutely the hardest-working group in tv. Thank you for the laughter, the relationship, and the many memories over all these years. You have actually filled my heart in methods I’ll always remember. I’ll miss you all a lot. And to you– the audiences in the house – the most significant thank you of all. Thank you for inviting us into your homes for over 20 years.”

The declaration concluded: “Your love, commitment, and steadfast assistance have actually indicated the world. You have actually brought us through every series, which has never ever, ever been considered given. You are the heart of this program, and I feel so fortunate to have actually shared it with you. Becoming part of your weekend from September to Christmas for the previous 21 years has actually been among the best pleasures and benefits of my profession. To my precious Claud – what an outright happiness and satisfaction it has actually been sharing this experience with you. You are among a kind, and I’ll treasure every laugh, every live program, and every backstage minute we have actually shared. I’m so grateful to have you as my buddy for life.This isn’t a bye-bye to shine, sequins, or Saturday night shimmer (I might never ever bid farewell to those!). Strictly will permanently hold an unique location in my heart – however it does seem like the correct time to turn over the reins. With all my love and unlimited appreciation, Tess.”

Claudia’s declaration

Claudia shared a different declaration on her Instagram page, stating it’s “been an opportunity” to be part of the program.

” It’s really hard to take into words precisely what Strictly has actually indicated to me,” started The Traitors host. “It’s been the best relationship of my profession. From dealing with It Takes 2 in 2004 previously it has actually been my whatever, the program I will be forever grateful for. I will always remember Len Goodman attempting to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still do not understand) and the total adventure and honour it was to deal with Tess on the outcomes reveal to cohosting on Saturday nights.”

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on red carpet in white outfits © Getty
The hosting duo shared a joint declaration on social networks

Claudia continued: “Strictly is a wonderful, glittery, phony tanned train and it’s been an opportunity to be a small part of it. The remarkable skill of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and outfit groups, the astounding production team and creatives – all absolutely fantastic. I have actually constantly thought it’s finest to leave a celebration before you’re completely prepared to go and I understand the brand-new hosts will be stunning, I eagerly anticipate enjoying them take Strictly to brand-new heights. When it comes to Tess – I’m so so fortunate I got to stand beside you. You’re amusing, kind, whip clever and a real buddy and I enjoy you.”

The factor Tess and Claudia are leaving

In their statement, Tess and Claudia stated that they felt the “time is ideal” to pass the baton on. “We were constantly going to leave together and now seems like the correct time,” they stated.

Tess and Claudia have an exceptionally close bond © BAFTA through Getty Images
Tess has actually hosted the program for 21 years

The BBC has yet to launch a declaration about the set’s departure.

For how long have Tess and Claudia hosted Strictly together

Tess has actually been the face of Strictly given that its really first episode back in 2004, hosting the program along with Sir Bruce Forsyth for 11 seasons before his departure in 2014. Claudia signed up with the program as Bruce’s replacement the exact same year, suggesting the set have actually hosted the program together for 11 years.

Tess Daly wearing a gold Nadine Merabi dress and Claudia Winkleman wearing a white suit for promotional pictures for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 © Rob Parfitt, BBC
Claudia signed up with the series in 2014

What have audiences stated about the statement?

Audiences shared their destruction in the remarks area, with a single person writing: “NOOOOOOO. The very best presenting group on telly,” while another included: “End of an incredible age! What a group!”

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