Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has led a chorus of show professionals in expressing disbelief over Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman‘s decision to leave at the end of the current season.
The long-serving hosts stunned fans and colleagues alike by announcing their departure in a shared Instagram post on Thursday morning, prompting a wave of messages from everyone associated with the show.
Taking to her own social media platform, Mabuse, 44, reshared the video and admitted she was stunned by the news.
Commenting on the announcement, she wrote: ‘Speechless. End of an era.’
Elsewhere, Mabuse’s sister Oti – a former show professional – added: ‘Wow! how devastating… you two have been incredible to work with – thank you so much for all the beautiful memories, for representing females presenters, being iconic, the laughs and years of family you’ve given all us.
‘From the beginning you were the highlight of our weekends! Wish you both luck – I will miss you so much!!!’
Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has led a chorus of show professionals in expressing disbelief over Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman ‘s decision to leave
Mabuse (pictured on the BBC show) admitted she was stunned by the unexpected news
Karen Hauer, who remains on the show as a trained professional, commented: ‘I love you both so much. Powerhouse duo.’
Sharing her own thoughts on the unexpected news, It Takes Two host Janette Manrara wrote: ‘Legends of the ballroom and Saturday night prime time TV. Have enjoyed working with you both immensely over the years and I will miss you.
‘And, as our show’s saying goes, always and forever “keep dancing.”’
Michelle Tsiakkas, who joined the show in 2022, wrote: ‘You two made Strictly what it is and it just won’t be the same without you.
‘You’re both amazing. I’m sooo grateful to have worked with you both and I wish you the best for the future.’
Meanwhile, Joanne Clifton commented: ‘Omgggg …. can’t believe it ! But thankyou so much for the memories.. you two are just legends and it was a privilege to be on Strictly with you.’
Amy Dowden, who returned to the show this year after battling breast cancer, also expressed her disbelief over their imminent departure.
She wrote: ‘Nooooo, absolutely gutted! Our beautiful strictly queens! Thank you, from being a fan these past 21 years to joining the show you have both brought so much joy, elegance, fun and pure brilliant entertainment to the nation!
‘Thank you! Going to miss you both so much! Welsh love always.’
An array of former and current show professionals Dianne Buswell also shared their thoughts
Winkelman and Daly will continue to host the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, which returns for its fifth week on Saturday evening
A host of former contestants and industry colleagues were also among those to comment
Tasha Ghouri, who appeared on the show in 2024, added: ‘You two have been so so incredible! I’ll never forget how welcoming, supportive you both were! Always bringing the strictly magic. Lots of love & keep dancing.’
While Giovanna Fletcher, another former contestant, wrote: ‘Love that you’ve done this together. It’s been incredible to watch you both shine!!’
Fellow TV presenter Holly Willoughby, a close friend of the pair, commented: ‘Oh my goodness me… just thank you to you both, I have loved watching you over the years… utterly iconic! Wonderful memories … hugest love Ladies!’
Elsewhere, TV presenter Kate Thornton wrote: ‘What an incredible achievement ladies.
‘You’re a class act and it’s been magical watching you steer Strictly with such warmth, wit and passion. The ballroom won’t be the same without you.’
Winkelman and Daly will continue to host the current series of Strictly Come Dancing, which returns for its fifth week on Saturday evening.
The hosts have been a regular fixture on the show for years, but their departure means it now faces yet another crisis
