Tess Daly supported by Vernon Kay and eldest daughter Phoebe as she leaves Strictly Come Dancing after 21 years
Her family has rallied round amid the surprise news
Tess Daly has received public support from her husband Vernon Kay and their daughter Phoebe after quitting Strictly Come Dancing.
Tess and co-star Claudia Winkleman shocked the nation today by revealing the 2025 series will be their last.
TV host Tess has been part of the flagship programme since it began in 2004, while Claudia joined her as co-host in 2014 in the wake of Bruce Forsyth’s retirement.
In her own lengthy statement, Tess paid tribute to Strictly’s professional dancers, “magnificent judges” and the countless celebrity competitors.
“You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much,” she said.
Now, Tess’ TV star husband Vernon has reacted to the news, along with their eldest daughter Phoebe.
Tess Daly’s Strictly exit: Vernon Kay responds
Vernon, who’s been married to Tess since 2003, showed his support with a touching post on his Instagram Stories.
The star, who is co-hosting BBC’s Children in Need 2025, reshared a sweet drawing on Instagram that depicted his wife and Claudia being rained on by confetti.
He posted it to his Instagram Stories with the caption: “What a fantastic duo they have been.”
Artist @sketchpad_on_tour created the beautiful picture and had originally posted it online to celebrate the start of Strictly 2025.
The two delicately rendered figures are faceless yet unmistakable: Claudia dressed in all black with a fringe and blonde-haired Tess standing slightly taller in pink. The words ‘start dancing’ were scribbled below.
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Phoebe Kay reacts to Tess’ news
Tess and Vernon’s eldest daughter Phoebe, 21, also used social media to celebrate her mum’s legacy on the BBC show.
Over a video of her mum and Claudia announcing their decision to leave Strictly, Phoebe wrote: “So unbelievably proud of both of you. Mum 21 years of Strictly!
“What an incredible achievement and honour. It’s been amazing watching you do what you love.”
Tess can be seen telling Claudia in the clip: “It’s been a huge part of our lives hasn’t it? Since our children were literally babes in arms and now they’re young adults, and I think genuinely we have cherished every second”.
Tess and Vernon are also parents to Amber, 16. The teenager does not have a public social media account.
‘The end of an era’
The BBC has responded to Tess and Claudia’s departure, describing it as “the end of an era”.
BBC’s chief content officer Kate Phillips said: “They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show. Their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond.
“They’ve been integral to Strictly’s success over the last 20 years, but I understand why they’ve decided it’s time to hang up the glitterball and get their weekends back.”
Meanwhile, BBC Studios’ managing director of entertainment Suzy Lamb also shared a few words.
“On behalf of the entire production team at Strictly, we are so going to miss Tess and Claudia,” said Suzy.
“Tess brought elegance, poise, and a genuine love for the show that never waned from the very start. And with Claudia’s charm and razor-sharp wit joining us from It Takes Two in 2014 – it cemented a partnership that has kept our audience captivated ever since.”
‘Quite simply the best duo of presenters in the business’
Strictly’s executive producer Sarah James went on to label them “quite simply best duo of presenters in the business”.
She added: “The Strictly Family is often referred to and these women are the matriarchs of that family. We have been together and supported each other for a long time.
“Through pregnancies, births and deaths. And to say we will all miss them terribly is an understatement.”
Tess and Claudia will continue to present this year’s series. They will not return to Strictly for 2026. Odds are now on as to who will replace them.
Read more: All the questions that need answers as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit Strictly Come Dancing
