STRICTLY co-hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have decided to quit the much-loved celeb dance-off.
They broke the shock news they are leaving after 12 years in a joint video released on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Tess Daly joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 alongside the late great Bruce Forsyth, while Claudia joined in 2010.
But now the two presenters have decided to leave the show together.
Claudia shared a series of photos from her time on the show, including behind-the-scenes snaps with Tess, Bruce and judge Craig Revel Horwood, along with an emotional statement.
She wrote: “It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It’s been the greatest relationship of my career.
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“From working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for.
“I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.
“Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing.”
She added: “I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.
“As for Tess – I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”
Tess also released a statement on Instagram, which she captioned: “To my Strictly friends and family.”
She wrote: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.
“It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes…
“Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.
“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.
“And to you – the viewers at home – the biggest thank you of all. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades”
Tess Daly,
“From that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth.”
She continued: “Brucie set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection, and pure showbiz magic.
“I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our magnificent judges, and all the celebrities who have taken part.
“I absolutely adore our brilliant crew – every single member of the Strictly team who have worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is.
“You are the very best in the business – the kindest, most fun, most loyal, and definitely the hardest-working team in television.
“Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, and the countless memories over all these years. You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much.
“And to you – the viewers at home – the biggest thank you of all. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades.”
When are Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving Strictly?
Tess and Claudia will leave the BBC stalwart dancing competition at the end of the current series.
But fans shouldn’t fear that this might mean the end of her sisterhood with Claudia.
Their double departure could open up a host of opportunities for new projects as a duo.
Brand and culture expert Nick Ede told The Sun: “I think it’s really likely they’ll go off and do something together. They’re like a Thelma and Louise-type duo.
“I could see them doing a travelogue programme like Rylan and Rob Rinder. Can you imagine Tess and Claudia travelling across the US in a Cadillac? It would be hilarious.
“They’ve proved themselves to be a popular duo, so it would be unlikely that they’ll split the band up completely.
“It doesn’t surprise me that they chose to leave together, as it would be difficult now for one to keep going without the other on Strictly.
“Their joint resignation shows how deep the sisterhood is between them, and I think that feeling of ‘let’s do it together’ isn’t going to go away any time soon.”
When is Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s last Strictly show?
Claudia and Tess’ last show will air on Christmas Day 2025.
A source said: “Claudia and Tess have known they were leaving Strictly since last year. They felt like it was their time to go.
“They discussed this privately and agreed they would walk away together, but kept it firmly under wraps.
“Claudia and Tess then told the BBC they would be signing a one-year deal and then calling it quits.
“It’s incredible they’ve managed to keep it a secret for so long. Only the top brass at the BBC knew, along with their immediate family.
“Strictly has been an incredible journey for them both and they have loved every second.”
It’s understood the show’s bosses and talent hold discussions every November about the following year’s show – this is when Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, are believed to have decided to leave.
Why are Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving Strictly?
The Sun understands the success of Claudia’s solo gig on The Traitors and its celebrity version was also a factor.
An insider said: “Claudia has had a lot on her plate, with Strictly, Traitors, and Channel 4’s The Piano.
“She wanted to make sure she could also spend some time with her family and something had to give.
“Celebrity Traitors has become a juggernaut in its own right too, with a second series teed up next year. Claudia is loving every step of this adventure – and it’s only going to get bigger and better.”
Industry insiders also pointed to Strictly being mired in scandals since 2023.
