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

21 December 2025 Television Personalities

The End of an Iconic Partnership

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman presented their final live Strictly Come Dancing episode on Saturday, 20 December 2025, marking an emotional conclusion to their long-running partnership. Daly announced in October 2025 that she would be leaving the show after 21 years, whilst Winkleman departs after 11 years on the main show. The presenting duo’s departure represents a significant moment in British television history, as they have become synonymous with Saturday night entertainment.

Royal Recognition and Tributes

The final live show was filled with emotional tributes. Queen Camilla, a Strictly superfan, sent a message calling the pair ‘the greatest partnership of all’. Her Majesty wrote: ‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous’. The honour comes after Daly was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting, whilst both presenters picked up the entertainment programme gong at the Bafta TV Awards in 2024.

A Legacy That Transformed British Television

Daly is best known for co-presenting the BBC One dancing competition show Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2025. She initially co-hosted the programme with Bruce Forsyth until he left the show in 2013; since 2014 she has co-hosted with Claudia Winkleman. The partnership proved enormously successful, with Daly and Winkleman winning the Bafta TV Best Entertainment award in 2024 for Strictly Come Dancing. 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, noting their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond.

Looking to the Future

The duo’s last appearance as a presenting pair on Strictly will be in the pre-recorded festive special airing on Christmas Day. As Tess Daly steps away from the Strictly ballroom, her contribution to British broadcasting remains undeniable. Her warmth, professionalism, and dedication have made Saturday nights special for millions of viewers. Whilst fans will deeply miss seeing her on the dancefloor, her legacy as one of television’s most beloved presenters is firmly cemented in entertainment history.