In a heart-wrenching finale that left millions in tears, Strictly Come Dancing icons Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bid an emotional adieu to the beloved BBC show after more than a decade of dazzling co-hosting. The Christmas Day special, aired on December 25, 2025, marked their final appearance, filled with surprises, hugs, and a bittersweet dancefloor embrace that captured the essence of their unbreakable partnership. As the glitter settled, fans worldwide were left wondering: what prompted this iconic duo to step away from the spotlight, and what made their parting gifts so unforgettable?

Strictly Come Dancing, the UK’s premier dance competition inspired by the global phenomenon Dancing with the Stars, has been a Saturday night staple since its launch in 2004. Tess Daly, a former model and television presenter known for her poised elegance, joined from the very beginning, initially partnering with the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth. Her warm demeanor and quick wit quickly made her the show’s steady anchor. Claudia Winkleman, with her signature fringe, quirky humor, and sharp fashion sense, entered the scene in 2010 as a co-presenter for the results show before stepping up as full co-host in 2014 following Forsyth’s retirement. Together, they shattered glass ceilings as primetime TV’s first all-female hosting duo, bringing a fresh dynamic of friendship, banter, and empowerment to the program.

Over 21 series, Strictly has evolved from a simple dance contest into a cultural juggernaut, blending celebrity glamour, professional choreography, and viewer voting. The show has launched careers, sparked romances, and weathered controversies, including recent scandals involving professional dancers’ conduct that led to investigations and departures. Yet, through it all, Tess and Claudia remained the glue, guiding contestants, judges, and audiences with grace. Their chemistry was undeniable—playful jabs, shared laughs, and mutual support turned them into fan favorites. In 2024 alone, they celebrated a BAFTA win for best entertainment program and were honored with MBEs for services to broadcasting, even receiving royal recognition from King Charles III.

The decision to leave came as a shock when announced in October 2025. Sources close to the pair revealed it was a mutual pact; they had always planned to exit together when the time felt right. For Tess, after 21 years, the show had become like a “third child”—a massive part of her life demanding long hours away from family. Married to broadcaster Vernon Kay, with two daughters, she expressed a desire to reclaim personal time and explore new ventures. Claudia, a busy mother of three and host of other hits like The Traitors, echoed the sentiment, noting the intense schedule’s toll. Both emphasized gratitude, calling hosting Strictly “an absolute dream” that brought joy to millions.

The Christmas special turned their farewell into a spectacle. Judges Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Motsi Mabuse surprised Tess with a special Christmas gift: a steamy Argentine Tango performed by pro dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. Swept off her feet, Tess declared it the “best present ever,” even snuggling up to the notoriously tough Craig for a hug she’d “always wanted.” Meanwhile, musical director Dave Arch gave Claudia a grand goodbye, holding up cue cards proclaiming, “To me you are perfect,” with a cheeky nod to her signature orange glow, leading to more emotional embraces.

Adding to the poignancy, a message from Queen Camilla was read aloud, praising their warmth and calling them “utterly fab-u-lous.” As the episode closed, Tess and Claudia slow-danced, hands clasped, choking back tears while leading the audience in the iconic “Keep dancing!” chant. Fans flooded social media with tributes, many admitting to “floods of tears” over the end of an era.

Looking ahead, the BBC faces the challenge of replacing this powerhouse pair. Speculation swirls around potential successors like radio host Zoe Ball, former contestant Rylan Clark, or dancer Janette Manrara. Whoever steps in, Strictly’s legacy endures, thanks in large part to Tess and Claudia’s trailblazing run. Their exit reminds us that even the shiniest shows must evolve, but the magic they created will keep us dancing forever.