FINAL DANCE CONFIRMED — It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara has finally broken her silence on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s shock Strictly exit, revealing the exact date the beloved duo will take their last bow.
🎥 After two decades of dazzling audiences, the pair’s final show will reportedly air during the Christmas Special, marking the end of an era.
🔥 Janette hinted at an “emotional send-off planned behind the scenes” — but insiders tease there’s one final unannounced twist that could leave fans in tears… or total shock
It Takes Two’s Janette Manrara breaks silence on Tess & Claudia’s Strictly exit & confirms exactly when they will leave
The hosts originally shared their own statements to confirm their exit
IT Takes Two host Janette Manrara has broken her silence on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s show exit.
The former pro dancer referenced the shock news as she opened today’s live show on BBC Two.
Janette Manrara has broken her silence on Tess and Claudia’s exit
They revealed their departure earlier todayCredit: BBC
She also clarified exactly when their final episode will air ahead of their exit.
As she opened the show today, Janette said: “You may have heard the news that Tess and Claudia announced this morning that they are leaving Strictly Come Dancing at the end of this series.
“Tess has presented the show since its very first episode alongside the legendary Sir Bruce [Forsyth], whilst Claudia originally presented our show [It Takes Two] before moving over to host the results show alongside Tess in 2010.
“They’ve both presented the main and results show since 2014 – ladies, we are going to miss you both so much!”
She then confirmed that their final episode would air on Christmas Day as part of the annual Christmas special.
This episode is pre-recorded in advance and whilst it will be their final to air on screens, this year’s show final will actually be the final time they present from the show’s set.
Janette clarified: “We still have them for the rest of what promises to be a brilliant series and the Christmas special.”
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Read Tess and Claudia’s statements in FULL as they announce their exit
Stars have flooded social media to pay tribute to the departing hosts
Announcing her exit in her own statement to her fans, Tess said it was “time to say goodbye” and described Strictly as “about joy, celebration, and bringing people together”.
Tess also paid tribute to her co-host, adding: “To my beloved Claud – what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you.
“You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared.”
She went on to thank the show’s production team, professional dancers, and the audience at home saying Strictly would “forever hold a special place in my heart” even though it now “feels like the right time to hand over the reins.”
Claudia, who joined the Strictly team in 2004 and became co-host in 2014, called the show “the greatest relationship of my career”.
The 53-year-old star said: “Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake-tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it…
“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go.”
She also remembered legendary judge Len Goodman, saying: “I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know)
“And the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.
She praised Tess, adding: “As for Tess – I’m so, so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”
They shared their departure in a video uploaded to social media this morningCredit: Instagram
Their final episode will be this year’s Christmas SpecialCredit: BBC
