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Join today<\/a><\/p>\n \n Already a member? Shirley Ballas<\/a> has opened up about the emotional impact of Claudia Winkleman<\/a> and Tess Daly<\/a>\u2019s decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing<\/a>, admitting she was \u201csaddened\u201d to see the presenters go.<\/p>\n The head judge<\/a>, 66, had grown close to the pair during their time on the BBC<\/a> dance competition, but says she has since enjoyed getting to know their successors, Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.<\/a><\/p>\n Ballas told Prima: \u201cClaudia and Tess started me off in 2017, and I had a beautiful relationship with both of them. They had the changing room next to mine so I could always hear them laughing and giggling \u2013 it was such a lovely vibe.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, of course, I was very saddened to hear [they were leaving] \u2026 Then, of course, I know Emma Willis, because I did Cooking With The Stars with her. And Josh Widdicombe I met several times on different shows that we\u2019ve done, and he is extremely funny.\u201d<\/p>\n Ballas expressed a particular fondness for Radebe, who previously competed as a dancer on Strictly.<\/p>\n She said: \u201cI\u2019ve known him since 2018. He\u2019s just a superstar in my book.\u201d<\/p>\n Winkleman and Daly announced they were leaving Strictly in October 2025.<\/p>\n Winkleman wrote on Instagram at the time: \u201cFrom working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for.<\/p>\n \u201cI will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don\u2019t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.<\/p>\n \u201cStrictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it\u2019s 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. I\u2019ve always believed it\u2019s best to leave a party before you\u2019re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.<\/p>\n \u201cAs for Tess – I\u2019m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You\u2019re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Daly wrote in a statement of her own: \u201cAfter an unforgettable 21 years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It\u2019s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here it goes… Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It\u2019s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004…<\/p>\n \u201cFrom that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth. Brucie set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection, and pure showbiz magic…<\/p>\n \u201cTo be [sic] beloved Claud – what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re one of a kind, and I\u2019ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we\u2019ve shared. I\u2019m so grateful to have you as my friend for life.<\/p>\n \u201cThis isn\u2019t a goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart – but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins. With all my love and endless gratitude, Tess x.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? 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Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departure from \u2018Strictly Come Dancing\u2019 in October 2025 (BBC)![\"\u2018Strictly\u2019](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/538169.jpg\")
\u2018Strictly\u2019 judge Shirley Ballas has admitted she was \u2018saddened\u2019 by Daly and Winkleman\u2019s exit (BBC)<\/p>\n