Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman‘s shock decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing is yet another sign of the show’s slow and painful death, insiders warned today.
The presenting duo have released a joint statement revealing they will both leave at the end of the current series after 11 years as co-hosts.
Their last appearance together will be on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which airs on December 25.
The joint announcement on Instagram has shocked fans and left experts pondering if Claudia and Tess are fleeing a ‘sinking ship’ at the end of series 23, which has already had a very bumpy start.
One source told the Daily Mail that BBC bosses are planning many more ‘big changes’ next year to try to win back those who have deserted the Saturday night programme, which began in its current format in 2004.
This year around 5.6million viewers watched the launch show – down from 10.2million just five years ago.
Another insider said today’s announcement also raises questions about the futures of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke.
Strictly is already in the spotlight amid a dwindling calibre of stars, sex scandals, an internal drugs investigation and accusations by contestants of abuse and bullying by dancers.
Claudia’s TV mega-hit The Traitors is now outperforming Strictly in terms of viewers with the celebrity version now the most talked about show on terrestrial TV.
PR guru Mark Borkowski has said that with Tess and Claudia going in a matter of months, Britain is now watching the ‘slow death’ of Strictly and the presenters are fleeing a ‘dying format’ to protect their own careers.
‘This is the slow death of Strictly’, he said.
Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they are stepping down from the ailing show on Thursday morning in a joint video
The TV couple, pictured on Saturday, will appear together on the show for the last time on Christmas Day
‘ITV can hear the death rattle. Stars are wary after all the recent headlines. People have seen the writing on the wall, who wants to be the last act in a long-running variety show, thanking a studio audience that’s already halfway to bed?
‘The exit of Claudia and Tess is brand preservation. Timing is everything and nothing kills a career faster than loyalty to a dying format’.
He added: ‘When you’ve fronted a juggernaut that’s starting to creak under its own sequins, the smartest move is to waltz off while the music still sounds half-decent’.
Series 23 of the show has already had a rocky start with a number of contestants pulling out before the first vote, including Dani Dyer.
Thomas Skinner was eliminated first amid scandal over an affair.
Neighbours veteran Stefan Dennis has now pulled out because of injury and a number of dancers are said to be unhappy with their partners – if they got one at all.
Last year there was a investigation into the behaviour of Wynne Evans, after he was caught on camera making a lewd comment to dancer and presenter Janette Manrara.
Jamie Borthwick has been kicked off EastEnders after 19 years after using a slur against disabled people on the set of Strictly.
Zara McDermott detailed her distressing experience of ‘abuse’ from pro Graziano Di Prima while Giovanni Pernice was accused of bullying contestants, which led to the BBC bringing in chaperones for the show’s stars to protect them in training sessions.
Tess and Claudia’s decision to quit has shocked fans.
The duo, who have been presenting the BBC One dancing competition together since 2014, took to Instagram to break the news together on Thursday morning.
Claudia, 53, who hosts wildly-popular BBC series The Traitors, and Tess, 56, who first joined the series back in 2004, were seen sitting side by side in the Instagram clip that confirmed the shock news of their mid-series departure.
Tess previously presented the BBC One show alongside Bruce Forsyth before Claudia joined her as a permanent co-host 11 years ago (the duo pictured with Bruce in 2014)
Tess and Claudia have been co-hosts since 2014 but will leave at the end of series 23, this Christmas
At the heart of the scandals were Wynne Evans’ sexual comment (left) and Amanda Abbinton’s accusation of abuse from her pro Giovanni Pernice (right)
Speaking to the camera, Claudia began: ‘There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.’
Tess chimed in: ‘We have news, after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.’
‘The very sparkly baton!’ Claudia laughed, before turning to her co-star and pal to add: ‘You’ve been here since the beginning.’
Claudia went on to post a series of behind-the-scenes snaps of her and Tess working together on the show as she too paid tribute to her time on the series.
While the duo have not detailed why they have left the show, PR & Brand Strategist Sophie Rhone from Cupid PR, has speculated that trouble is brewing – leading to the duo’s determination to distance themselves from the show.
She said: ‘When two co-hosts step down at the same time — especially from a flagship BBC One show — it’s rarely coincidental…
‘My professional antenna is telling me: this isn’t simply about careers or contracts. Something exists behind the scenes — a situation serious enough that both women are choosing to exit before it becomes public.’
Claudia, 53, who hosts wildly-popular BBC series The Traitors, and Tess, 56, who first joined the series back in 2004, were seen sitting side by side in the Instagram clip that confirmed the shock news of their mid-series departure
Amid the speculation, it has been noted that Tess made a telling comment that gave away her Strictly exit away weeks ago – and it was hidden in plain sight.
While it has come as a shock to many, Tess recently implied that she could be free to do other things besides be a mum and present Strictly on the weekends.
Speaking on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast earlier this month, Tess told Giovanna Fletcher, 40: ‘I’m not someone who goes for a day to the spa. I’m thinking, what do my kids need me to do today? Do you know what I mean?
‘So I’m always making up for that.’If I’ve worked for a day or two, then I’m like, now this time I need to do more for them because I was absent here.
Last month’s launch night saw show ratings match 2024, peaking at 5.6 million viewers and averaging 5.4 million across the 90 minute show.
While the ratings initially sounded like good news for the broadcaster, 2024’s launch was down a million viewers on the previous year.
Strictly was watched by four million more people than anything else in that time slot. However the overnight figure does not include on-demand viewing from BBC iPlayer where millions are known to watch the show.
The rise of Claudia’s other show – The Traitors – has been pointed to for pulling attention from the dance show due to its stratospheric rise to prominence.
The rise of Claudia’s other show – The Traitors – has been pointed to for pulling attention from the dance show due to its stratospheric rise to prominence
Earlier this year, Wynne Evans was caught on camera by the Daily Mail seemingly suggesting a three-way sex session with dancer Janette Manrara.
The comment came at a photocall to launch the Strictly live tour and swiftly earned a rebuke from BBC bosses who told him: ‘We will not tolerate such behaviour.’
While Wynne apologised at the time, he later claimed he was forced to and denied it was a sexual jibe, insisting he used the term ‘spit roast’ as a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick.
After an investigation into his behaviour, BBC bosses told Wynne they would not be renewing his yearly rolling contract, bringing an end to his radio show.
He later said he will ‘regret for the rest of my life’ his controversial ‘spit roast’ comment during the Strictly call.
In August, the show was hit by fresh scandal, with claims that bosses have called in police to investigate a new allegation into the scandal-hit show.
Lawyers began an external probe into the family-friendly show amid claims two of its stars had used cocaine.
It was reported at the time that detectives from the Met Police are allegedly examining other allegations, after lawyers began examining claims two Strictly stars had used cocaine while on the show.
While Wynne apologised at the time, he later claimed he was forced to and denied it was a sexual jibe, insisting he used the term ‘spit roast’ as a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie Borthwick
Sources said: ‘It’s a significant new development in the BBC’s recent string of crises that they have now got the police involved in investigating allegations surrounding Strictly. This is a very dramatic turn of events.
‘Despite all the show and its team have been through over recent months, it’s hugely controversial that you’ve now got Scotland Yard detectives probing Strictly. This is their biggest prime-time family entertainment show, so it’s not a good look for the BBC.’
A spokesperson for the broadcaster previously stated: ‘We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us.
‘We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.’
Over the past two years, a host of scandals have surrounded the show’s professional dancers and their conduct towards training the stars.
In 2023’s Series 21, Amanda Abbington withdrew from the competition, initially citing ‘personal reasons’ as the explanation for her departure.
As time went on however, in July the following year Amanda accused Giovanni Pernice of ‘unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour’ during their time on the show.
Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld.
When BBC bosses published the extensivee report into the Italian dancer’s behaviour, he was cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment.
Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was ‘pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour’.
A spokesperson said: ‘We have clear protocols and policies in place for dealing with any serious complaint raised with us. We would always encourage people to speak to us if they have concerns. It would not be appropriate for us to comment further.’
Elsewhere, in July last year pro Graziano Di Prima was sacked by the BBC following claims of gross misconduct towards his former partner Zara McDermott.
The Italian star was spoken to by bosses of the Saturday night dance show and his contract terminated. A message on Graziano’s Instagram at the time read: ‘My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.’
One show source said: ‘Graziano had to go. It has been awful.’
Graziano joined Strictly in 2018 and was last year partnered with Love Island star Zara but they were eliminated in week six.
Amanda and Giovanni were at loggerheads in public before his departure
After the incident, Zara took to Instagram to release a statement: ‘I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports. Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl…
‘When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it…
‘I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took.
‘And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with
‘However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.’
Elsewhere, in July last year pro Graziano Di Prima was sacked by the BBC following claims of gross misconduct towards his former partner Zara McDermott
Last month, Strictly continued to plunge into chaos, as professional dancers spoke out on their frustrations. Michelle Tsiakkas, broke ranks to admit she was ‘gutted’ she didn’t have a celebrity partner for the 2025 series.
Michelle, who has been performing on the BBC show since 2022, posted an Instagram video explaining to her 59k followers her disappointment.
The video came just 24 hours after her close friend and fellow Strictly pro Nancy Xu shared her own message, admitting she felt ‘left out’ of the show.
Thanking fans for ‘all the lovely messages’, Michelle said: ‘To those of you asking how I am I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t gutted.’
Last month, Strictly continued to plunge into chaos, as professional dancers spoke out on their frustrations. Michelle Tsiakkas, broke ranks to admit she was ‘gutted’ she didn’t have a celebrity partner for the 2025 series
Admitting that ‘that’s a normal feeling to have,’ the Cypriot Sri-Lankan dancer called having a celeb partner ‘the most beautiful and rewarding part of the show.’
The 2024 series of Strictly was Michelle’s first year with a partner, and she reached week ten with EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick.
‘Last year was my first year with a partner and it made me realise just how much I enjoy the process. I think it’s the most beautiful and rewarding part of the show,’ she told fans.
‘And I also feel like last year was the first time you all started to get to know me better as well and there’s still a whole lot more of me left to discover.’
She ended her video by promising to post more updates on social media to ‘help you to get to know me better,’ and share ‘my opinions and experiences’ before reassuring her followers that ‘I’m not completely disappearing.’
This year, bosses diced with danger by signing up Thomas Skinner, the controversial Apprentice star, whose signing did not pay dividends.
At the start of the series, Thomas stormed out of a press conference whilst his participation on the BBC’s family-friendly flagship show has been overshadowed by his revelation that he cheated on wife Sinead just weeks after their wedding.
His political leanings sparked backlash across social media after he was pictured attending a barbeque hosted by US President Donald Trump’s number two, JD Vance – something he later called a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event.
Thomas has drawn strong criticism for X posts saying it is ‘not far-right’ to be ‘flying your flag and loving your country’, and complaining ‘it ain’t safe out there any more’ in London, saying the city is ‘hostile’ and ‘tense’.
Much to othe relief of bosses no doubt, Thomas, who was paired with Amy Dowden, was voted off the show in the first week.
This year, bosses diced with danger by signing up Thomas Skinner, the controversial Apprentice star, whose signing did not pay dividends
Following the string of scandals, earlier this month sources have said Strictly bosses were ‘struggling’ to sign talent to the once-beloved Saturday night hit.
The stars signed up to appear on the upcoming series further voiced their surprise at how quickly they were signed up considering it was many of their first times being asked.
Vicky Pattison, who found fame on the reality show Geordie Shore, said: ‘I’ve never been asked before and I’ve always wanted to be.
‘So I went down there to meet them because I thought, if I get my foot in the door next year or the year after I would get to do it, I was expecting it to have a long tail.’
Dani Dyer, 29, the daughter of the Hollywood star and EastEnders actor Danny Dyer, also told the Mail of her ‘shock’ at being accepted onto the show so easily.
This year’s Strictly lineup earned a mixed reaction from fans, with this year’s cast including Love Island winner Dani Dyer (right) and ex-Geordie Shore star Vicky Pattison (left)
It can be revealed that BBC bosses were going to new lengths to sign talent as just three out of the 15 contestants had been asked to do the show before.
A source close to the show confirmed: ‘Yes, the Beeb had to expand their roster as they were struggling to get talent to sign up for a variety of mitigating circumstances.’
Despite the claims from insiders, a Strictly spokesperson defiantly said: ‘There was absolutely no difference to the casting process this year, both in timescale and the great mix of names wanting to take part.’
Alex Kingston, the theatre actress, also told this newspaper for a long time there was a ‘stigma’ around Strictly as it was not considered a serious signing for actors.
The 62-year-old revealed: ‘I’ve been asked to do it the past but my agent always said no because, I think, for a long time there has been a sort of stigma around Strictly.
‘If you’re a theatre actor, theatre actors don’t participate, which is silly. Just because I do Shakespeare, you know, Shakespeare wrote plays for the populists, he didn’t write for a certain level of society.’
