‘The greatest relationship of my career”: Claudia bids an emotional farewell to Strictly

Claudia Winkleman admitted that it was “very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me” as she reflected on her time on the show.

In a post shared on Instagram shortly after she and co-host Tess Daly confirmed their joint departure, Winkleman admitted that Strictly has been her “everything” for more than 20 years.

Ellie Harrison25 October 2025 09:30

Craig Revel Horwood suggests potential replacements for Tess and Claudia

Strictly’s longest-standing judge Craig Revel Horwood had suggested two potential new hosts for the show.

Revel Horwood said that he had heard news of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure at the same time as the public, when the pair posted a statement on Instagram.

When former Strictly pro turned Loose Women panellist Oti Mabuse asked whether he would consider a hosting gig on the show, he suggested: “I think that’s where you might come in, darling.”

“I think you and Alan Carr together would be perfect. Because I’m loving him on [The Celebrity Traitors], I’ve got to say.”

Craig Revel Horwood reacts to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly exit

Craig Revel Horwood has said it is a “good thing” for people to move on as he addressed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s surprise Strictly exit announcement. The dancing judge said he heard the news at the same time as everyone else when it broke on Instagram on Thursday (23 October), adding he was “shocked and surprised”. Appearing on Loose Women, he said: “I was saddened, I really loved them. I have worked with the gorgeous Tess since May 2004 and it’s the end of an era.” He added: “I celebrate people moving on, it’s a good thing, personally.”

Ellie Harrison25 October 2025 08:53

Tess Daly speaks of new opportunities week before announcing Strictly exit

The presenter appeared on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, last week where she admitted to “never putting herself first” and how parenting had changed as her children had got older.

She told Giovanna Fletcher: “It could be gorgeous to have the chance to do those things I have never had the chance to because as a mum I have never been away on breaks with girlfriends.”

Tess Daly speaks of new opportunities week before announcing Strictly exit

Lucy Leeson25 October 2025 03:30

Dianne Buswell addresses online ‘conspiracy theories’ over Strictly Come Dancing exit

Dianne Buswell has hit back at “conspiracy theories” that her celebrity partner’s withdrawal from the competition was planned to accommodate pregnancy.

 ”It’s definitely not a conspiracy theory,” she told BBC Two’s Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two on Wednesday (22 October).

“I feel great, and obviously, I would love to continue with Stefan.”

Dianne Buswell addresses ‘conspiracy theories’ over Strictly exit

Greg Evans25 October 2025 02:30

Strictly stars react to ‘heartbreaking’ news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit show

Former pro dancer Oti Mabuse broke down in tears over the announcement

Greg Evans25 October 2025 01:30

Strictly’s Stefan Dennis ‘devastated’ after serious leg injury prevents him from flying home

‘Neighbours’ star will not be able to leave the UK until next month due to health concerns.

Lydia Spencer-Elliot reports:

Greg Evans25 October 2025 00:30

Strictly Come Dancing 2025 couples – full list of celebrities and their partners

Amid all the drama its easy to forget that there is actually still a competition going on. Here are all the contestants that are competing on this year’s Strictly:

Greg Evans24 October 2025 23:30

Strictly Come Dancing odds: Who will replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly?

Here are all the runners and riders who might replace the iconic duo:

Greg Evans24 October 2025 22:30

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.”

Lydia Spencer-Elliot reports:

Greg Evans24 October 2025 21:30

Strictly’s Anton Du Beke breaks silence on Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly exit

The judge reflected on his “fond memories” of the “extraordinary pair”, in a video message posted to Instagram on Thursday (23 October).

Speaking about Daly, Du Beke applauded her for “introducing the world to this incredible, fabulous show of ours”.

He reflected on meeting Winkleman in series two when she began presenting It Takes Two. “I’m devastated, but whatever choices you make, I know they’ll be the best for you.”

Anton Du Beke reveals he’s ‘devastated’ following Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s exit announcement

Greg Evans24 October 2025 20:30