Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shared an emotional farewell during their final rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing, marking the end of their remarkable 21-year journey on the show. The two hosts, who have become icons in the British television landscape, were visibly moved as they prepared for the live grand final scheduled for December 20, 2025.
In an intimate moment captured on social media, Tess, aged 56, and Claudia, 53, embraced their crew and exchanged heartfelt messages during the rehearsal. Tess posted a poignant video on her Instagram account, expressing her gratitude and love for the team that has been part of their lives throughout their hosting tenure.
Reflecting on a Historic Journey
During the rehearsal, Tess addressed the crew, stating, “And sharing it with all of you. I swear I love all of you because it’s felt like we’ve shared part of our lives, our children and everything.” As she expressed her appreciation, the crew responded with applause, and both hosts were seen comforting each other through tears.
Tess captioned the video, “Not even live and cried and hugged more than I can count. Nearly final time, good luck to our couples tonight, we’re rooting for you! Let’s go out with a bang (and maybe another tear or two).” This emotional farewell came after the duo announced their decision to leave the show, which has been a significant part of their lives since its inception in 2004.
In a joint video shared in October, they explained that the time had come to “pass over the baton.” Tess reflected on her longstanding involvement, having hosted the show for an impressive 21 years and 216 days. Earlier this week, she received a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving host of the popular dance competition.
Legacy of Love and Laughter
Tess started her journey with the late Bruce Forsyth, who was a beloved figure on the show until his retirement in 2013. Claudia then joined Tess, and together they have created a dynamic that resonated with millions of viewers. During their announcement, Claudia humorously noted, “The very sparkly baton!” as they acknowledged their shared history and the joy they experienced over the years.
Reflecting on their time, Tess remarked, “It’s been a huge part of our lives since our children were literally babes in arms, and now they’re adults, and I think genuinely we have cherished every second.” Claudia added, “We have, we’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and we just want to thank the Strictly team, because Strictly is the people who make it.”
As the final episode approaches, the series has seen the return of past contestants, though one notable absence will be Thomas Skinner, who was the first celebrity eliminated this season. Skinner has recently made headlines by alleging that BBC bosses rigged official voting figures, a claim the BBC has firmly denied, stating that the public vote is “robust and independently overseen.”
As Tess and Claudia prepare to step away from the spotlight, they leave behind a legacy defined by laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of dance, as well as a devoted fanbase that will remember them fondly for decades to come.
