DANCING FAREWELL TESS DALY & CLAUDIA WINKLEMAN PLAN EMOTIONAL, AND STYLISH, STRICTLY COME

After two decades of sequins, spray tans, and Saturday night sparkle, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are preparing to waltz into Strictly Come Dancing history, with a farewell that fans will never forget. The presenting duo, who have fronted the BBC ballroom juggernaut for more than 20 years, are set to step down following the December final, marking the end of one of television’s most beloved partnerships.

And while Tess and Claudia often joke about their “two left feet,” it appears their final show may include a moment viewers have waited years to see: the pair dancing alongside the professionals. According to reports, producers are in talks to create an epic group routine featuring both hosts, a fitting tribute to their iconic run.

A TV insider told the Daily Mail that discussions are ongoing, with hopes to include Tess and Claudia in a celebratory performance during the grand finale. For fans, the idea of seeing the two actually take to the dancefloor feels like Strictly history in the making. Claudia has previously joked that she’s “not very good at standing, let alone dancing,” but the sentimental significance of their farewell may be enough to convince her to step into the spotlight one last time.

Tess Daly joined Strictly Come Dancing at its launch in 2004, becoming the glamorous, grounding presence viewers instantly loved. Claudia initially appeared as a host on the It Takes Two spin-off before joining Tess full-time following Bruce Forsyth’s departure. Their chemistry, equal parts warmth, comedy, and heart, became a defining element of the show.

Over their two-decade tenure, they have overseen emotional eliminations, unforgettable performances, shock dance-offs, glittering finals, and occasional mid-show chaos. Their signature style, Tess’s elegance and Claudia’s fringe-led humour, helped shape the atmosphere of Strictly: polished yet playful, sentimental yet fun.

Fans have flooded social media with tributes since news of their departure broke, many crediting the duo with giving the show its charm. For many viewers, the thought of a Strictly without Tess and Claudia feels almost unimaginable.

But the pair are reportedly determined to leave the show on a joyful note. Their final live show in December is expected to be packed with nostalgia, surprises, and emotional moments, with the potential dance routine promising to be a standout moment in Strictly history.

The hosts spoke about their imminent exit as they appeared on It Takes Two on Tuesday – Credit:BBC

Despite stepping down, both hosts remain beloved BBC figures, and speculation is already growing around what they might do next. But one thing is certain: their final Strictly episode will be a true celebration of friendship, sparkle, and Saturday night magic.

As the final countdown begins, fans will be watching closely to see whether Tess and Claudia will, at last, swap the balcony for the ballroom. And if they do? It might just become one of the most iconic Strictly moments of all time.