SHOCK EXIT: Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly QUIT Strictly Come Dancing After Years on BBC Hit 💔
In an emotional surprise to fans, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have announced they’re leaving the beloved BBC show — calling it “an absolute dream” and thanking viewers for “the most magical years of our lives.”
The duo — known for their warmth, wit, and sparkling chemistry — shared the news in a heartfelt video that left fans in tears.
After decades of dazzling Saturday nights, one question now lingers across the ballroom floor:
✨ Who could possibly fill their shoes?

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly QUIT Strictly Come Dancing as pair announce exit from ‘absolute dream’ BBC show in emotional video

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have QUIT the series – announcing their departure in emotional social media posts.

The duo, who have been presenting the BBC One dancing competition together since 2014, took to Instagram to break the news to fans on Thursday.

Claudia, 53, who also hosts BBC series The Traitors, and Tess, 56, who first joined the series back in 2004, were seen sitting side by side in the clip that confirmed their departure.

Speaking to the camera, Claudia began: ‘There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.’

Tess chimed in: ‘We have news, after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.’

‘The very sparkly baton!’ Claudia laughed, before turning to her co-star and pal to add: ‘You’ve been here since the beginning.’

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have QUIT Strictly Come Dancing
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Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have QUIT Strictly Come Dancing

The pair have been presenting the main show together since 2014, with Tess first joining the line-up during the show's launch in 2004
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The pair have been presenting the main show together since 2014, with Tess first joining the line-up during the show’s launch in 2004

Tess replied, pointing to Claudia: ‘With Bruce, lovely Bruce [Forsyth], and that was over two decades ago but a lot of the time has been with you.

‘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 continued: ‘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.’

The duo penned under the video: ‘We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.

‘We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.

‘They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other.

‘Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.’

In her own statement, Tess added: ‘After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.

Claudia and Tess took to Instagram to break the news with a heartfelt video
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Claudia and Tess took to Instagram to break the news with a heartfelt video

The presenting pair penned an emotional message to their fans under the clip
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The presenting pair penned an emotional message to their fans under the clip

Tess previously presented the BBC One show alongside Bruce Forsyth before Claudia joined her as a permanent co-host in 2014
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Tess previously presented the BBC One show alongside Bruce Forsyth before Claudia joined her as a permanent co-host in 2014

‘It’s hard to put it into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes…

‘Strictly has been more than just a television programme, it’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that first show back in 2004.

‘I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.

‘Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together, and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.

‘I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our magnificent judges, and all the celebrities who have taken part.

‘I absolutely adore our brilliant crew, every single member of the Strictly team who have worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is.

‘Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, the countless memories over all these years. You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much.

‘And to you, the viewers at home, the biggest thank you of all, thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades.

Claudia and Tess were seen sitting side by side in the clip that confirmed their departure, as they thanked the show's crew and its viewers as home
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Claudia and Tess were seen sitting side by side in the clip that confirmed their departure, as they thanked the show’s crew and its viewers as home

The duo explained to fans of the BBC One series they 'were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time' to 'pass the baton'
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The duo explained to fans of the BBC One series they ‘were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time’ to ‘pass the baton’

‘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.

‘This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart, but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.’