For over two decades, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been the sparkling faces of Strictly Come Dancing, guiding millions of viewers through sequined Saturdays and emotional goodbyes. But on November 21, 2025, the much-loved presenting duo stunned fans and colleagues alike by announcing, via Instagram, that this season would be their last. Their decision, made public in a heartfelt video, marked what BBC bosses called "the end of an era" for the iconic show.
The news broke in true 21st-century fashion: not through a carefully orchestrated press conference, but on social media. According to BBC News, even current contestants and Strictly professionals were caught off guard. "I think we found out as everybody else did, just on their socials, which I'm constantly refreshing anyway, as I'm a big fan," said YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke. Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope echoed the shock, recalling, "We were so shocked. And then we were told later, it had to be that way, and they couldn't really give anyone a heads up." Drag queen and Strictly star La Voix summed up the mood: "No one saw it coming."
In their joint statement, Daly and Winkleman explained, "We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time." The pair, who have been presenting together since 2014—and Daly since the show’s launch in 2004—reflected on their journey with gratitude and a touch of humor. "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. 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," they wrote under their Instagram video, as reported by Daily Mail.
For Tess Daly, the moment was especially poignant. "After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It's hard to put it into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes... Strictly has been more than just a television programme, it's felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring," Daly shared in her statement.
BBC executives were quick to pay tribute. Kate Phillips, the BBC's chief content officer, said, "I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but it’s the end of an era with Tess and Claudia’s decision to bid farewell to the Strictly ballroom. 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 glitter ball and get their weekends back." Managing director of entertainment Suzy Lamb and executive producer Sarah James echoed the sentiment, calling Daly and Winkleman "much more than presenters" and "the matriarchs of that family."
Behind the scenes, the BBC is bracing for a major transition. Phillips confirmed that the formal search for replacements won't begin until the new year, as the production team is focused on the current series. She revealed her inbox has been "inundated" with requests from hopefuls eager to land what she called "the best gigs in television." Chemistry between the new hosts will be paramount, Phillips emphasized, given the unique bond Daly and Winkleman shared on screen.
Meanwhile, speculation is rife about who might step into their sequined shoes. Names like Alan Carr and Holly Willoughby have already surfaced in the rumor mill, but for now, the BBC is keeping its cards close to its chest.
The shock announcement came during a season already marked by drama and intrigue. Just as Strictly was gearing up for its much-anticipated Blackpool week—often considered the competition’s biggest milestone—news broke that an unnamed Strictly star had been arrested in October 2025 on suspicion of rape. According to BBC News, the man was released on bail under investigation, and the incident was not related to the current series. The show has also faced scrutiny in recent years over allegations of a toxic culture and inappropriate behavior by some professionals and celebrity guests, though current contestants like Doctor Who actress Alex Kingston have spoken positively about their experiences.
Despite the turbulence, the Blackpool special went ahead as planned on November 22, 2025, with six couples competing on the iconic ballroom floor, joined by live performances from Lewis Capaldi and Steps. La Voix, sidelined by injury, was given a pass to the next week under Strictly rules. Former finalists Ashley Roberts, Danny Mac, Jay McGuiness, and Layton Williams returned to mark the occasion. For many, Blackpool week is a dream come true. "Although you have the themed weeks leading up to it, it feels like the first big milestone," said Lewis Cope. Former England footballer Karen Carney added, "They're really proud we've reached this milestone. They didn't think I'd be able to do it." Amber Davies, a former Love Island winner, summed up the spirit: "I'm literally pushing my mind and my body to the furthest it can go."
Claudia Winkleman, meanwhile, is hardly stepping out of the spotlight. According to Daily Mail, company accounts show she earned approximately £2 million between May 2024 and April 2025 from fronting several major productions, including Strictly and The Traitors, the latter of which is now one of the BBC’s highest-rated shows. Her production company, Big Owl Productions, paid £575,000 in corporation tax and has £3 million in reserves. Winkleman is also set to host her own BBC chat show, fast-tracked to air as early as March 2026, and will not return to Channel 4’s quiz One Question to focus on her new ventures. As a TV insider told The Sun, "If ever proof were needed that Claudia is now very much the BBC's golden girl following the huge success of The Celebrity Traitors, then this is it."
As Strictly’s current series races toward its glittering finale, fans are left to savor the last moments with Daly and Winkleman at the helm. The duo’s chemistry, warmth, and wit have set a high bar for whoever comes next. But if the outpouring of affection from colleagues and viewers is any indication, their legacy will linger long after the final "keep dancing" is uttered.
With new chapters ahead for both presenters and a changing of the guard on the horizon, Strictly’s future remains as unpredictable—and as full of sparkle—as ever.
