Strictly pros heartbroken as Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly quit the show
'You two made Strictly what it is'Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced they will be leaving the show at the end of the series. And members of the Strictly family are heartbroken.
Tess has co-hosted the show since its launch in 2004, whilst Claudia has been heavily involved in the show since the beginning too, hosting It Takes Two before joining the show proper later on.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announce Strictly exit
Taking to Instagram today (Thursday, October 23), Tess and Claudia shared the news that at the end of this year’s show, they’ll be leaving.
“We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” they captioned a video of themselves.
Continuing, they said: “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. Tess & Claud,” they then added.
Strictly stars react as Tess and Claudia prepare to say goodbye
Taking to the comments section, Strictly stars past and present reacted to the sad news.
Former pro dancer Oti Mabuse wrote: “Wow! How devastating [broken heart emoji]. You two have been incredible to work with – thank you so much for all the beautiful memories, for representing female presenters, being iconic, the laughs, and years of family you’ve given all us. From the beginning you were the highlight of our weekends! Wish you both luck – I will miss you so much!!!”
“Still in shock at this news.. you two are a joy, a team, and legends of @bbcstrictly,” 2019 star Alex Scott said.
2024 finalist Tasha Ghouri posted a string of love hearts, whilst pro dancer Nancy Xu said: “I’m so grateful that came to this show and worked with the most talented in the business! It wouldn’t be the same without both of you! Gonna miss you both so very much.”
Tasha later posted: “You two have been so so incredible! I’ll never forget how welcoming, supportive you both were! Always bringing the strictly magic. Lots of love & keep dancing.”
“I love you both so much. Powerhouse duo,” Karen Hauer said, whilst former It Takes Two host Rylan Clark branded them “icons”.
‘Devastating’
Ex-It Takes Two star Zoe Ball said: “Absolute class act. Bravo ladies. huge love”, whilst pro dancer Luba Mushtuck said: “Best duo!!! Love you.”
Gorka Marquez said: “Love you both”, and Chris Robshaw added: “Sorry to see you both go.”
Nadiya Bychkova also shared her “love” for the duo, whilst 2023 winner Ellie Leach sent a string of heart emojis.
“Gutted the best duo! We will miss you so much, thank you for always being there for us. Wish you all the best x,” Jowita Przystal said.
“Nooooo, absolutely gutted! Our beautiful Strictly queens! Thank you, from being a fan these past 21 years to joining the show you have both brought so much joy, elegance, fun and pure brilliant entertainment to the nation! Thank you! Going to miss you both so much! Welsh love always xxxx,” Amy Dowden added.
It Takes Two host Janette Manrara also sent her love, saying: “Legends of the ballroom and Saturday night prime-time TV. Have enjoyed working with you both immensely over the years and I will miss you. And, as our show’s saying goes, always and forever ‘keep dancing’.”
Strictly stars send their love
The love didn’t stop there! Michelle Tsiakkas wrote: “You two made Strictly what it is and it just won’t be the same without you. You’re both amazing. I’m sooo grateful to have worked with you both and I wish you the best for the future.”
It Takes Two host Fleur East gushed: “I can’t believe it! Love you both so much. Will cherish the next few months with you.”
Taking to her Instagram story, Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse shared Claudia and Tess’ video. “Speechless. End of an era,” she wrote.
Read more: Dianne Buswell on ‘conspiracy theories’ around Stefan Dennis leaving Strictly Come Dancing 2025
