Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to leave Strictly after this series
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit Strictly at the end of the current run, bringing to a close one of live television’s most familiar double acts.
Daly, who has presented the show since its launch in 2004, posted an emotional statement confirming her departure. Winkleman followed with her own message and a joint note from the pair. They said they had “loved working as a duo” and always intended to leave together.
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The decision draws a line under an era that began with Daly partnering Sir Bruce Forsyth before Winkleman joined as co-host. Between them they helped steer the programme through format changes, theme weeks and the occasional live mishap, while the show itself became a Saturday night fixture.
In her statement, Daly said Strictly had felt like “a second family” and a defining part of her working life. Winkleman called it “the greatest relationship of my career,” paying tribute to the dancers, band, and backstage teams.
This is the 23rd series of Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC has yet to confirm who will replace the pair, or how the presenting format will evolve next year. A formal update is expected once the current series concludes.
The show’s popularity remains a major asset for the broadcaster. Its live format, dependable ratings and family appeal continue to anchor autumn schedules. For viewers, the immediate question will be continuity: can a new presenting team keep the same warmth while refreshing the tone?
Fans seeking broadcast details and background can find them on the official programme page.
As the current run continues, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have promised to enjoy “the greatest rest of this amazing series” and sign off with one last “keep dancing”.
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[IMAGE CREDIT | BBC STUDIOS]
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