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Strictly Come Dancing is back, and so are Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, one of television’s most beloved presenting duos.
As the ballroom prepares to welcome the 2025 celebrity cast, Claudia has been spilling secrets about what really goes on behind the glittery curtains, including a surprisingly simple ritual she relies on before the cameras start rolling.
Claudia, known for her signature fringe and sharp wit, spoke about her bond with Tess and how the pair have become such a seamless partnership on Saturday nights. “She’s the kindest and the greatest human anyone could wish to work with. I’m so lucky to do it with her,” Claudia said, adding that she still gets nervous before every single live show.
But it’s how she deals with those nerves that has fans talking.
Claudia revealed that she has not one, but two must-do pre-show traditions: “I must eat crisps and I always squeeze Tess before we go live. I get very, very nervous,” she confessed.
The revelation has sparked smiles from Strictly fans, who love the genuine warmth between the pair. Their easy chemistry has been a major part of the show’s success since Claudia took over full-time presenting duties in 2014, following Sir Bruce Forsyth’s departure.
It’s easy to see why audiences love them, Tess with her glamour and calm professionalism, Claudia with her cheeky humour and slightly chaotic energy. Together, they bring balance to the glitzy competition and help guide celebrities, and viewers!, through the emotional highs and lows of the series.
Once again, Tess and Claudia will return to front the series, continuing their run as one of television’s most enduring presenting duo – BBC/Guy Levy
Strictly fans are already buzzing ahead of this year’s first live show, where Tess and Claudia will introduce the brand-new celebrity contestants and their professional dance partners. As always, there will be sequins, drama, tears, and some truly unforgettable performances.
Claudia’s backstage tradition also highlights something audiences have long suspected, that no matter how many series they’ve done, the nerves never really go away. And perhaps that’s why the magic of Strictly feels so real: because even the presenters are as invested in the moment as the stars on the dance floor.
With a new series just hours away, Tess and Claudia will soon be back under the glitterball, counting the couples in, reading out the judges’ scores, and offering comforting hugs when things don’t go as planned. And somewhere, just out of view of the cameras, Claudia will be crunching crisps and giving Tess that all-important squeeze.
Strictly Come Dancing returns tomorrow night on BBC One.
