Tess Daly’s Emotional Farewell: End of an Era for Strictly Come Dancing

The End of a Historic Partnership

Tess Daly announced on 23 October 2025 that she would be leaving Strictly Come Dancing after 21 years, at the end of the current series and the recording of the Christmas Special. This momentous decision marks the conclusion of one of British television’s most enduring and beloved presenting partnerships. Daly and her co-host Claudia Winkleman announced their plans to step down from hosting Strictly Come Dancing at the end of this series.

A Remarkable Broadcasting Career

Daly is best known for co-presenting the BBC One dancing competition show Strictly Come Dancing (2004–present). She initially co-hosted the programme with Bruce Forsyth until he left the show in 2013; since 2014 she co-hosts with Claudia Winkleman. Her dedication to broadcasting excellence was formally recognised when Daly was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting.

An Emotional Tribute

The BBC honoured Daly’s extraordinary contribution with a special celebration during the semi-final. The pair were given their very own glitterball trophies and were presented with their very own commemorative Strictly glitterball trophies. Daly and Winkleman won the Bafta TV Best Entertainment award in 2024 for Strictly Come Dancing. The emotional moment showcased the deep affection the show’s family has for these two remarkable presenters.

Looking to the Future

Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are preparing for an emotional goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing, with their final live show taking place on December 20, 2025. The finale will be the final studio show the pair host, but they’ll return to screens one last time for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special, which is being recorded ahead of the holiday and will air on December 25, 2025. 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. While fans worldwide mourn their departure, Tess Daly’s legacy as a broadcasting icon remains firmly cemented in British television history.