Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Announce Departure from Strictly Come Dancing After Stellar Runs

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the entertainment world, long-serving hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced they are stepping down from BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing.” The beloved presenting duo confirmed their departure in a joint statement released on social media on Thursday, October 23, 2025, stating they would see out the remainder of the current series before passing on “the very sparkly baton” to new hosts.

A Dream Duo Departs

Tess Daly, who has been a fixture on “Strictly” since its inception in 2004, initially co-hosted with the legendary Bruce Forsyth. Claudia Winkleman joined the “Strictly” family in 2010, hosting the companion show “Strictly: It Takes Two,” before moving to the main programme in 2014 after Forsyth’s departure. Together, they have helmed the Saturday night flagship show and Sunday night results, becoming an integral part of the show’s enduring success for over a decade.

In their emotional joint statement, Daly and Winkleman expressed their deep affection for the show and each other. “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” they shared. “We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.”

Reflecting on a Glittering Tenure

Daly, 56, reflected on her 21 years with the show, describing it as 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.” She paid tribute to the “hardest-working team in television” and the viewers, stating, “Thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades.”

Winkleman, 53, who also presents the highly successful BBC series “The Traitors,” described “Strictly” as “the greatest relationship of my career.” She added, “It’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it.” Winkleman also conveyed her confidence in future hosts, saying, “I know the new hosts will be magnificent. I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.”

The presenters confirmed their final live show would be at the end of the 2025 series, with their ultimate on-screen appearance likely to be the Christmas Special.

The Future of Strictly Come Dancing

The departure of Daly and Winkleman marks the end of a significant era for “Strictly Come Dancing,” one of the BBC’s top entertainment programs. The show, now in its 23rd series, has seen consistent popularity, and their exit naturally sparks speculation about who will fill their shoes.

While the BBC has not officially announced replacements, betting odds and media speculation have already begun. Names frequently mentioned include former “Strictly” champions like Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, spin-off hosts Janette Manrara and Fleur East, and popular television personalities such as Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Roman Kemp, Alex Jones, and Gethin Jones.

The announcement comes amid a period of broader changes for the show, which has recently faced reports of behind-the-scenes issues.

Fans and colleagues have expressed their sadness at the presenters’ departure, showering them with praise for their professionalism, warmth, and contribution to the show’s success. The pair, who were recognized with MBEs for their services to broadcasting in 2025 and won a BAFTA for entertainment programme in 2024, are set to leave a lasting legacy on the world of television entertainment.

Their decision to leave together, citing it was “time to pass over the baton,” signifies a mutual and well-considered conclusion to their celebrated tenure on “Strictly Come Dancing.”