Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly presented their last ever live BBC show on Saturday, in what was a hugely emotional affair that saw Queen Camilla congratulate them on their run.
They were greeted with a standing ovation from the audience, which included Daly’s husband Vernon Kay, while later in the show the entire cast and judging panel donned a string of Winkleman-style black fringed wigs.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the house during a tribute to the Strictly hosts, which was wrapped up with a letter from the Queen, read out by Craig Revel Horwood.
The hosting duo shocked the TV-watching nation when they announced that this 2025 series of the show would be their last at the helm.
Although this isn’t technically their last appearance, as the pair will be officially ending their run with the festive special airing on Christmas Day, that is a pre-recorded show.
Get personalised updates on Strictly
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro’s TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we’ll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
This year’s Strictly final at the Elstree Studios ballroom saw Karen Carney crowned the 2025 winner, after a hotly-contested three-legged race between the Lioness, Amber Davies and George Clarke.
A video montage was also played with tributes from fans, cast, crew and familiar faces, including Mary Berry, which left both hosts clearly emotional.
Daly said: ‘Thank you so much to you all for your lovely words, it has meant the world.
Winkleman said: ‘It’s been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you.’
Earlier in the show, Anton Du Beke was the first to break Daly, as he gave feedback on Karen’s final dance.
‘I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved, Tess, spending the last 21 years with you. I love you,’ he said.
Revel Horwood soon echoed him, adding: ‘We all deeply and dearly love you and are going to miss you like you would not believe.’
Daly, 56, presented the series alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth when it launched in 2004 while Winkleman, 53, fronted its weekday spin-off show It Takes Two, before eventually moving to host the results show and then the main event in 2014.
Queen Camilla's full message
Camilla is known to tune in to Strictly and has described herself as one of the show’s ‘greatest fans’.
She said in a message to Winkleman and Daly: ‘As you prepare to take your final twirl, I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
‘If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.
‘The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.
‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous.
‘I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next. But as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing: Keeeeeeeep dancing!’
After the double act shared a short clip with the exit news on their social media accounts, the BBC released their own statement heaping praise on their Strictly tenure.
The co-hosts referenced how much the show had an impact on their lives in their video statement, saying they both joined when their children were still small.
The caption to their video clip read: ‘We have loved working as a duo, and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.
‘We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time.’
‘I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but it’s the end of an era with Tess and Claudia’s decision to bid farewell to the Strictly ballroom,’ said Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer for the BBC, in response.
‘They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond.’
The pair picked up the entertainment programme gong at the Bafta TV Awards in 2024 and were given an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for their services to broadcasting.
The Strictly Come Dancing final is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
