Christmas Day 2025 marked the end of an era for British television as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the beloved presenting duo of Strictly Come Dancing, bid farewell to the iconic BBC dance show after more than two decades at its helm. The festive special, pre-recorded and aired on December 25, came just five days after their final live broadcast, closing a remarkable chapter in the program’s history and igniting speculation about who might step into their glittering shoes next.
The Christmas special was a star-studded affair, featuring six celebrity contestants: Scarlett Moffatt, Babatunde Aleshe, Brian McFadden, Jodie Ounsley, Melanie Blatt, and Nicholas Bailey. The evening belonged to Moffatt and her professional partner Vito Coppola, who dazzled judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Oti Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke with a Cha Cha set to Cher’s "DJ Play A Christmas Song." Their performance earned a perfect 40 out of 40, securing them the coveted festive Glitterball trophy. Moffatt, who rose to fame on Gogglebox in 2014, was visibly elated, exclaiming, “This is amazing! I feel like I should have prepared a speech! This is honestly the greatest gift that could have ever happened at Christmas. We’ve all just had the best time,” according to Extra.ie.
Yet, it was the emotional send-off for Daly and Winkleman that truly captivated viewers and contestants alike. Tess Daly, who has hosted Strictly since its very first episode in 2004, and Claudia Winkleman, who replaced Bruce Forsyth as co-presenter in 2014, took their final bows together. As the credits rolled, Daly thanked audiences: “Thank you again for watching us over the years. It has meant the world to us.” Winkleman, tearful, turned to her co-host and said, “There is just one thing left for us to do. Come on Tess.” The pair embraced and delivered their signature catchphrase—“Keep dancing!”—for the last time, a moment that left viewers and crew alike visibly moved.
The special also featured a surprise that delighted fans and social media alike: Tess Daly herself took to the dance floor, performing a sizzling Argentine Tango with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec. Judge Anton Du Beke announced the twist, explaining that none of the celebrity pairings would perform the Argentine Tango, before revealing Daly’s long-awaited routine. The performance sparked an outpouring of admiration online, with one viewer calling it their "TV highlight of 2025," as reported by The Independent. Some even speculated about Daly’s possible return as a contestant, with one fan quipping, “Her conTESStant era looms next year folks.”
Claudia Winkleman, too, received a heartfelt send-off, courtesy of the show’s musical director Dave Arch. In a nod to the film Love Actually, Arch appeared at Winkleman’s dressing room door holding cue cards that read, “Say it’s carol singers” and “To me, you are perfect.” The playful tribute highlighted the warmth and camaraderie that the duo brought to the show, qualities that have endeared them to millions of viewers.
Their departure was not without official recognition. Earlier in 2025, both Daly and Winkleman were awarded MBEs for their services to broadcasting. During their final live show on December 20, Daly’s husband, Vernon Kay, and their daughter Phoebe were in attendance. Kay described Daly’s achievement as “exceptional,” emphasizing how remarkable it was for two women to have fronted the BBC’s most successful entertainment program. The pair also received a touching letter from Queen Camilla, read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood, which praised their “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness.” The Queen wrote, “If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success.”
As the curtain fell, Daly reflected on her journey, describing Strictly as “a third child, a second family,” and reminisced about the magic the show brought since its inception. She paid tribute to the late Bruce Forsyth, crediting him with setting the tone for everything Strictly became—“warmth, wit, connection and pure showbiz magic.” Both Daly and Winkleman expressed deep gratitude to the BBC and everyone involved in the production, stating, “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.”
The duo’s exit, announced in October 2025, was described as the “right time” to leave. In their joint statement, they said, “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.” Their final appearance was celebrated with emotional tributes, including a special video compilation from the crew and a surprise letter from Queen Camilla, as reported by the Daily Mail.
With Daly and Winkleman stepping down, speculation is rife over who will take over as hosts. Bookmakers have named Zoe Ball as the 2-1 favorite, with Fleur East and Janette Manrara also in the running. However, All Saints singer Melanie Blatt, who competed in the Christmas special and impressed judges with an American Smooth alongside professional Kai Widdrington, is seen as a standout contender. Blatt scored an impressive 36 points, including a perfect 10 from head judge Shirley Ballas. Insiders told The Sun that “Melanie and Brian McFadden really caught the eye,” though McFadden is ruled out due to touring commitments. Blatt’s strong showing has reportedly put her in prime position for a future presenting role, though the BBC has yet to comment officially.
Meanwhile, Daly and Winkleman are planning a more intimate wrap party in the New Year for the Strictly team, a chance for everyone to “really let loose behind closed doors,” according to sources cited by the Daily Mail. The duo’s last live show was a night of celebration, with Daly leading a singalong and Winkleman opting for a quieter exit. As they prepare to move on, both presenters have expressed their intention to keep their friendship—and their catchphrase—alive, joking that they’ll continue saying “keep dancing” to each other at home, “just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”
As the glitter settles on the ballroom floor, one thing is certain: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s legacy on Strictly Come Dancing will be remembered for its warmth, joy, and the enduring magic they brought to Saturday night television. The dance goes on, but their final twirl will be cherished by fans for years to come.
