BBC reacts to Strictly Come Dancing presenting bombshell as Tess and Claudia’s final appearance dates confirmed

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After the announcement that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaving Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC responded with Kate Phillips, a top content executive, stating they were essential to the show’s popularity.

Phillips expressed his surprise and sadness at the news that Tess and Claudia are leaving Strictly Come Dancing. He praised them as wonderful hosts who were central to the show’s success, highlighting their incredible enthusiasm and commitment.

Tess and Claudia have been a vital part of Strictly Come Dancing’s success for the past two decades, and I respect their decision to step down and enjoy their weekends again. Like Craig would say, they’ve been wonderful hosts, and they’re also great friends to me and many people at the BBC. Thank you both for everything – we’ll really miss you!

Daly and Winkleman have both been part of the show since its start in 2004. Daly originally presented the main show with Sir Bruce Forsyth, and Winkleman hosted the spin-off series, It Takes Two.

Starting in 2010, Winkleman began co-hosting the main results show with Daly. She became a full-time co-host in 2014 when Forsyth left the show.

Fans now know when the popular hosting duo will say goodbye – their last episode together will be the Strictly Christmas Special, airing on Christmas Day.

I’ve heard that they’re still working on the details for the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing, but they’ll officially announce everything when it’s ready. Basically, we’ll know more later, but they’re definitely planning ahead!

Suzy Lamb, head of entertainment at BBC Studios, also expressed sadness about Tess and Claudia leaving Strictly. She said Tess consistently brought grace, sophistication, and a real passion to the show.

Claudia’s arrival in 2014, bringing her wonderful personality and quick humor, really solidified a fantastic partnership that has kept viewers hooked ever since. Tess and Claudia are more than just hosts to us – they’re like family on the Strictly team – and while we’re sad to see them go, we wish them all the best in the future.

According to Sarah James, the series’ executive producer, Tess and Claudia are an exceptional hosting pair and the show has greatly benefited from their years of experience as anchors.

These judges have supported numerous celebrities on the dance floor and guided us through two seasons during the pandemic. More importantly, they truly care about the show and everyone involved. They’re often called the ‘Strictly Family,’ and these women are the heart of it.

We’ve shared so much together over the years – celebrating new life, facing loss, and always supporting each other. It’s hard to express how much we’ll miss Tess and Claudia. Thank you both for everything. And this isn’t goodbye – let’s make the most of what’s left of this wonderful show! I guess I should say ‘keep dancing,’ but you never really got started, did you?

I’m really enjoying the current season of Strictly Come Dancing! We’re already five weeks in, and it feels like it’s flying by. Like always, I’m expecting it to keep us entertained all the way up to December, just before Christmas – and I can’t wait for the Christmas special, of course!

Strictly Come Dancing continues on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 25th October at 6:20pm.

I absolutely love Strictly Come Dancing, and I’ve added it to my watchlist on the TopMob app! It’s brilliant for getting daily TV recommendations and staying up-to-date with all things entertainment – you can download it now if you want to check it out too!

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2025-10-23 15:36