Strictly judge Anton Du Beke calls Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s exit ‘the saddest news’
“Tess, I remember back in 2004 in a London hotel introducing this wonderful new show Strictly Come Dancing to the world. You’ve been a torch bearer from the beginning.”
He continued: “But more importantly for those 20 years, you’ve been a wonderful friend and colleague. I’m going to miss you dearly on a Saturday night.
“Hand in hand with the fabulous Claudia, taking over from my hero Brucie, together you have elevated the show to unprecedented levels as the most magnificent presenting duo!”
Du Beke said he’d miss Daly and Winkleman “terribly” but said he was sure they’d both be a “huge success” in whatever they chose to do after the BBC dance competition.
Lydia Spencer-Elliot reports:
Greg Evans24 October 2025 09:30
It Takes Two addresses Daly and Winkleman exit
It Takes Two host Janette Manrara addressed Daly and Winkleman’s upcoming departure on Thursday night’s show.
The host said: “Ladies, we are going to miss you both so much. But luckily we still have them for what promises to be a brilliant 2025 series and the Christmas show!”
Strictly confirm details of Tess and Claudia’s final show after presenters’ shock departure
Greg Evans24 October 2025 09:00
Bookies reveal stars most likely to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
Zoe Ball, Fleur East, Janette Manrara, Rylan Clark and Stacey Dooley are among the favourites to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as Strictly hosts. Here are all the odds from bookmakers:
Greg Evans24 October 2025 08:00
Craig Revel Horwood reacts to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly exitCraig Revel Horwood reacts to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly exit
Athena Stavrou24 October 2025 07:00
Full story: Tess and Claudia quit Strictly
Athena Stavrou24 October 2025 06:30
Claudia Winkleman appears to hint that Strictly replacements have already been decided
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman appeared to hint that she knows the identity of her and Tess Daly’s replacement, as she promised that the show’s new presenters will take the programme “to new heights”.
Daly, 56, has hosted the show for 21 years while Winkleman, 53, joined as co-presenter on the main programme in 2014, having previously hosted the Sunday night results show. They announced today (23 October) that they are stepping down after the end of the current series.
“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,” Winkleman wrote in a statement announcing her departure.
She added: “I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.”
(BBC)
Athena Stavrou24 October 2025 05:30
The stars most likely to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
Athena Stavrou24 October 2025 04:30
Traitors star reacts to Winkleman’s exit
FormerTraitors star Diane Carson has spoken out over the news Claudia Winkleman – who also hosts The Traitors on BBC.
“No way. Claudia’s so good at whatever she does and she’s so now invested in The Traitors,” she told BBC Radio Cumbria.
“Wow, God I hope she never leaves Traitors.
“People always say to me, ‘is she as she seems?’ Well yes she is. She is passionate about the game, she is invested in all the players and she is very funny.
“And of course her costumes have got more and more bizarre – which is fantastic.”
(Good Morning Britain, ITV)
Athena Stavrou24 October 2025 03:30
Watch: Oti Mabuse cries as says Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman exit is ‘end of an era’Oti Mabuse cries as says Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman exit is ‘end of an era’
Athena Stavrou24 October 2025 02:30
BBC bosses respond to Tess and Claudia’s departure
Kate Phillips, chief content officer for the BBC, described the announcement as the “end of an era”, with the co-hosts being “integral” to the show’s success.
She said: “They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond. They’ve been integral to Strictly’s success over the last 20 years, but I understand why they’ve decided it’s time to hang up the glitter ball and get their weekends back.”
Suzy Lamb, managing director of entertainment at BBC Studios, added: “Tess brought elegance, poise, and a genuine love for the show that never waned from the very start. And with Claudia’s charm and razor-sharp wit joining us from It Takes Two in 2014, it cemented a partnership that has kept our audience captivated ever since.
“Tess and Claudia are much more than presenters to us, they are part of the Strictly production family – and whilst we’ll miss them dearly, we wish them nothing but the best.”
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are stepping down from Strictly (Jonathan Brady/PA) (PA)
The show’s executive producer, Sarah James, labelled the pair as the “matriarchs” of the Strictly family, adding they are the “best duo of presenters” in the business.
She said: “They have championed countless celebrities on the dancefloor, led us all through two series during the pandemic, but more importantly they have a deep and genuine bond with the show and every single member of the team.
“We have been together and supported each other for a long time – through pregnancies, births and deaths – and to say we will all miss them terribly is an understatement.”
Athena Stavrou24 October 2025 01:25