Strictly Come Dancing Duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Depart After 18 Years

Long-time co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced their departure from the popular BBC dance competition show Strictly Come Dancing, effective at the end of the current series. The news stunned the show's professional dancers, who have grown accustomed to the duo's presence. Tess Daly, 56, and Claudia Winkleman, 53, have been an integral part of the show's hosting team since 2004 and 2010, respectively. Their iconic partnership and warm energy have become synonymous with the program, earning them a special place in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.

Key Takeaways:

• The professional dancers, including Nadiya Bychkova, were "stunned" by the news of Tess and Claudia's departure, with some having formed close bonds with the duo over the years.
• Tess and Claudia have decided to leave the show together, a decision they made years ago while enjoying pizza and pepperoni together.
• The duo has expressed their gratitude to the BBC and the entire Strictly team, describing them as "the most brilliant team."
• The pair's joint statement also includes a personal touch, joking about continuing to say "keep dancing" but in tracksuit bottoms at home with pizza.
• Tess and Claudia have received an outpouring of support from past contestants, including Helen Skelton, Zoe Ball, and Ann Widdecombe, as well as judge Motsi Mabuse.
• Claudia's profile has soared since becoming the host of popular program The Traitors in 2023, which earned her a maiden BAFTA award.

Statistics:

• Tess Daly has been a part of Strictly Come Dancing since its launch in 2004.
• Claudia Winkleman has been a part of the show since 2010, initially appearing in the main edition after her predecessor, Sir Bruce Forsyth, stepped down.
• The current Strictly series will be the last for Tess and Claudia.
• Claudia's recent hosting stint on The Traitors secured her a maiden BAFTA in 2023.

Sources:

• Wales Online
• The Daily Mail