Tess Daly Bids Farewell to Strictly Come Dancing After Two Decades of Glitter and Glory

The End of an Era for British Television

Tess Daly, one of Britain’s most beloved television presenters, is preparing for an emotional farewell to Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC show she has called home for 21 years. Announced on 23 October 2025, Daly will be leaving the show after 21 years, at the end of the current series and the recording of the Christmas Special. The departure marks a significant moment in British broadcasting history, as Daly has been integral to the programme since its inception in 2004.

A Journey Through Sparkle and Sequins

Daly has co-presented BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing since 2004. She initially co-hosted the programme with Bruce Forsyth until he left the show in 2013; since 2014 she co-hosts with Claudia Winkleman. Together, Daly and Winkleman have formed a formidable partnership that captivated millions of viewers weekly. Daly and Winkleman won the Bafta TV Best Entertainment award in 2024 for Strictly Come Dancing. Their chemistry and genuine affection for each other have set new standards for television presenting duos in primetime entertainment.

An Emotional Goodbye

As the final episodes approach, both presenters have opened up about their impending departure. 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. During a recent appearance on It Takes Two, the duo acknowledged the emotional weight of their farewell. Winkleman replied: “We’re not… but afterwards, we will hold each other very tight and cry. Because it’s a lot.” The presenters have emphasised that their focus remains on the contestants, not their own farewell.

Recognition and Legacy

Daly’s contributions to broadcasting have been formally recognised. Daly was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting. Her departure, alongside Winkleman’s, represents a pivotal moment for the show, which must now find suitable replacements for the iconic duo.

What This Means for Strictly Fans

The departure of Tess Daly marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in British television history. For 21 years, she has been the face of Saturday night entertainment, guiding celebrities through their dance journeys with grace, warmth, and professionalism. Daly stated: “It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.” As viewers prepare to bid farewell to Daly and Winkleman, the BBC faces the challenge of finding presenters who can fill the sequined shoes of two broadcasting legends who have defined an era of prime-time television entertainment.