She choked back tears as she signed off “keeeeeep dancing” one final time. But Tess Daly’s emotional goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing might not signal retirement from the spotlight — insiders and bookies are buzzing that the 56-year-old could be swapping BBC glitter for ITV’s famous sofa, potentially teaming up with husband Vernon Kay to front This Morning.

The Strictly final on December 20 was a night of high emotion. As former England footballer Karen Carney lifted the glitterball trophy alongside pro dancer Carlos Gu, all eyes were on hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who were presenting the live show for the last time after 21 and 11 years respectively. The duo, who announced their joint departure back in October, fought back tears during tributes, including a heartfelt message from Queen Camilla read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood.

Camilla praised their “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness,” calling their partnership “the greatest Strictly partnership of all.” A visibly moved Tess told the judges, “I love you too,” while Claudia’s iconic eyeliner smudged as the pair held hands for their iconic sign-off. Fans flooded social media with heartbreak, with one tweeting: “I don’t think I’ve cried so much at a #StrictlyFinal.”

Tess has been a Strictly staple since the show’s launch in 2004, first alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, then pairing with Claudia from 2014 to form primetime TV’s first all-female hosting duo. In a joint statement at the time of their announcement, they said: “We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.” Tess added personally: “It does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.”

The pair will reunite one last time for the pre-recorded Christmas Special airing on December 25, where Tess even takes to the floor for an Argentine tango with pro Aljaž Škorjanec as a “goodbye gift” from the judges. But after that? Speculation is rife about what’s next — and it’s pointing across the channel to ITV.

Sources claim ITV bosses are eyeing Tess for a major role on This Morning, the daytime juggernaut currently fronted by Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard. And in a twist that could echo TV history, her Radio 2 DJ husband Vernon Kay, 51, might join her on the couch. Bookmakers Poker Scout have slashed odds to 2/1 on the couple becoming the show’s next presenters, calling them “one of British television’s most popular couples” with “all the ingredients to become ITV’s next iconic daytime duo.”

Insiders told Closer magazine: “Tess could be set to head over to ITV to take over as host of This Morning — and Vernon is poised to join her.” The move would crown them the modern-day Richard and Judy, who famously hosted the show from 1988 to 2001 and became synonymous with cosy husband-and-wife banter. Another former married duo, Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford, held the Friday slot for years until 2020.

Tess and Vernon, married since 2003 and parents to daughters Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, have proven chemistry. They’ve appeared together on screen before, including the 2006 reality show Just the Two of Us. Vernon has already guest-hosted This Morning multiple times, earning praise for his cheeky charm, and he’s no stranger to big gigs, having fronted Family Fortunes and his current BBC Radio 2 mid-morning slot.

Tess brings unmatched live TV poise from two decades steering Strictly through triumphs and controversies. As one source put it: “This opportunity could catapult Vernon right back into the big time. He’s still got that charisma viewers love.” With This Morning facing its own transitions — including a studio move for cost-cutting in 2026 — a fresh, high-profile duo could inject new energy.

Of course, it’s all speculation for now. No official word from ITV or the couple’s reps, and Tess has hinted at enjoying lie-ins and “new ventures in the new year.” She recently collected her MBE at Windsor Castle, accompanied by Vernon, where she gushed about Strictly but looked forward to fresh chapters.

Meanwhile, the BBC is hunting for Strictly replacements, with names like Alison Hammond, Zoe Ball, and even Vernon himself floated (former pro James Jordan backed him as a “brilliant presenter”). But if the rumors hold, Tess’s tearful Strictly exit could mark the dawn of a new daytime dynasty.

As one betting spokesperson noted: “Tess’s live TV pedigree and Vernon’s versatility make them strong contenders.” Fans are divided — some mourn the end of an era, others excited at the prospect of morning TV’s next power couple.

One thing’s clear: Tess Daly isn’t fading into the background anytime soon. From ballroom queen to potential sofa sovereign — could this be TV history in the making?