Strictly Come Dancing is set to return to our screens this weekend with a brand new presenting line-up, following Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departures
Vernon Kay has shared his thoughts on the major Strictly Come Dancing shake-up taking place this year, following Tess Daly’s exit from the BBC show. Tess and Claudia Winkleman revealed that they would be stepping away from the show after 11 years together during the 2025 series.
Tess had fronted Strictly since its inception in 2004, initially hosting alongside Bruce Forsyth before being joined by Claudia.
Following the announcement that the pair would be passing the baton to new hosts, the BBC revealed that Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Strictly professional Johannes Radebe would take over presenting duties.
Ahead of the new series starting on Saturday (September 19), Vernon, 52, sent a message to the new presenters while also expressing his surprise at how quickly the show had come around.
“Wow that’s come around quick, good grief!,” he said. “Strictly Come Dancing starts this Saturday, make sure you tune in because I have no doubt as always that it’s going to be a right old hoot.”
He also shared his thoughts on the new line-up, telling listeners: “And good luck of course to the brand new team, very excited about that.”
Vernon previously paid tribute to Tess and Claudia ahead of their final show in December. Speaking on his programme, he said: “It’s Tess’ last Strictly on Saturday, and I can’t say too much because I’m going to get really emotional, but it’s been an amazing 21 years.
“She has been at the helm of that show with Bruce, and with Claudia, and it’s been nothing but raucous fun. It’s been the favourite show of the nation’s since it started and it’s seen our two kids arrive through the show as well,” he added.
Vernon and Tess, who married in 2003, share two daughters, Phoebe and Amber. They announced their separation in May, stressing that they remain on good terms.
Meanwhile, a new batch of celebrities will take to the dance floor this year in the hope of lifting the prestigious Glitterball trophy. The line-up includes Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Dame Sarah Storey, Will Best, Jaime Winstone, Bethany Antonia, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Graeme Hall, Laurence Robb, Tabby Stoecker and John Nellis.
Strictly fans will discover tonight which celebrities have been paired with which professionals for the 2025 series.
As well as familiar faces including Katya Jones, Dianne Buswell, Nikita Kuzmin and Vito Coppola taking to the dance floor this year, five new professional dancers have joined the line-up; Mark Karmalita, Maddie Ingoldsby, Lethabo Monametsi, Cristian Priori and Aleksandra Isaeva.
Strictly Come Dancing airs tonight at 7.25pm on BBC One.
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