Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced this morning they have quit the show in a bombshell statement.
The pair appeared together in a video, which they posted on Tess and Claudia’s Instagram pages, as they shared their decision to “pass the baton” on to new presenters. Tess, 56, has been hosting the programme for 21 years while Claudia, 53, has been her co-host for 15 years.
As well as the joint video, the Strictly stars also shared their own separate statements on social media to confirm the news.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s joint video as they quit Strictly Come Dancing
In the video, Claudia began with: “Hi it’s Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us…”
Tess then added: “Yeah we have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly we have decided the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton…”
“The very sparkly baton…” Claudia continued before she turned to Tess and said: “You’ve been here since the beginning…”
Tess then replied: “2004 with Brucey – lovely Bruce. That’s over two decades ago and a lot of that time has been with you. 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.”
Claudia added: “We have, we’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and we just want to thank the Strictly team because Strictly is the people who make it so thank you…” Tess agreed: “They are the very best team in television we’ve been so lucky. And the audience as well, they’ve been so wonderful. They’ve been with us for this entire journey of 21 years and we wouldn’t have a show without them and they’ve been just so loyal and supportive.”
Claudia then said: “We’re loving this series we’re going to have a brilliant…” “It’s the best series isn’t it,” Tess added. Claudia continued: “Series to come and we can’t wait to get to Blackpool…”
Tess then said: “And we can’t wait to do that show dance that we have long dreamt of and longed to do…” The pair then bickered over the show dance as Claudia said she would “applaud from the side” before the pair said bye.
Alongside the video, they wrote a caption, which read: “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. Tess & Claud”.
Tess Daly’s full statement
The pair also released separate statements to show the news. Tess’ statement read: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.
“It’s hard to put 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 very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.
“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together — and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.
“From that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth.”
Tess continued: “Brucie set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection, and pure showbiz magic.
“I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our magnificent judges, and all the celebrities who have taken part. I absolutely adore our brilliant crew – every single member of the Strictly team who have worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is. You are the very best in the business – the kindest most fun, most loyal, and definitely the hardest working team in television.
“Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, and the countless memories over all these years. You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you so much.
“And to you – the viewers at home – the biggest thank you of all. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades.”
Tess continued: “Your love, loyalty, and unwavering support have meant the world. You’ve carried us through ever series, and that has never, ever been taken for granted. You are the heart of this show and I feel so lucky to have shared it with you. Being part of your weekend from September to Christmas for the past 21 years has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career.
“To my beloved Claud – what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you. You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared. I’m so grateful to have you as my friend for life.
“This isn’t a goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart – but it does feel like the right time to handover the reins. With all my love and endless gratitude, Tess x.”
Claudia Winkleman’s statement in full
Meanwhile, Claudia also shared touching snaps of her time on Strictly with Tess as she posted her statement in the caption of the Instagram share.
Claudia’s statement read: “It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It’s been the greatest relationship of my career. From working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for. I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.
“Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing. I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.
“As for Tess – I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs onTikTok,Snapchat,Instagram,Twitter,Facebook,YouTubeandThreads.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
