Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman given emotional Royal send-off on final show

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have finished hosting Strictly Come Dancing, and the moment was marked by a surprisingly touching message from Queen Camilla.

They first announced they were leaving the show in October, posting on Instagram that their time on the BBC dance series had been “an absolute dream.”

Both Daly and Winkleman released personal statements reflecting on the experience. Daly expressed she hadn’t anticipated how wonderful it would be, and Winkleman called it the most significant professional relationship of her career.

Daly has hosted the show from the start, initially with Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia Winkleman, who previously presented the show’s companion program ‘It Takes Two’, joined her as co-host in 2014.

Although they’ll be back for this year’s Christmas episode—which was filmed earlier—their participation in the main season of Strictly is now finished.

The team said goodbye with a heartfelt video tribute, where members of the production crew thanked them for their work on the show and called them beloved figures known throughout the country.

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Just as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were responding to the video tribute, judge Craig Revel Horwood stopped them to share a heartfelt message from a devoted fan named Camilla.

Dear Tess and Claudia, as you get ready for your last dance, I want to thank you both for everything, speaking for all of your millions of viewers each week.

I’ve always believed that Strictly Come Dancing isn’t really about the dancing itself, but about the friendships that develop. It’s about the connections made, the challenges faced together, and the happiness found in working towards a common goal. And if that’s right, then your partnership might just be the best Strictly has ever seen.

The genuine warmth, kindness, and joy you’ve shared with each other have been key to the show’s success.

She went on to say she believed everyone would agree that they had been absolutely wonderful. She wished them all the best in the future and, knowing how much joy it brought them, asked if they would promise to continue dancing.

“With warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.”

It’s no surprise Tess and Claudia were overcome with emotion as they revealed Karen Carney as the winner of Strictly Come Dancing. Both hosts described the moment as ‘unbelievable’ and ‘amazing.’

Attention will now return to who could take over the reins from the duo.

Janette Manrara and Fleur East are both possibilities to host the show, as they currently present It Takes Two. Rylan Clark is also being considered.

Zoe Ball, recently departed from BBC Radio 2, is also a possible contender for the role, alongside other potential hosts like Bradley Walsh, Alex Jones, and Alan Carr. We’ll share any further updates as soon as we have them!

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Strictly Come Dancing concludes on BBC One and iPlayer on Saturday 20th December.

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2025-12-21 01:04

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