Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announce their departure from Strictly Come Dancing after more than two decades on BBC screens in the United Kingdom

When you think of Strictly Come Dancing, the image of Tess Daly effortlessly gliding across the stage alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth probably comes to mind.

But after more than two decades at the helm of the nation’s favourite ballroom show, Tess and her co-host Claudia Winkleman have decided it’s time to step away — a move that has left fans and the BBC alike genuinely stunned.

A Television Milestone Few Women Match

Tess’s longevity on the show is rare territory for female presenters.

Only a handful — including Newsnight’s Kirsty Wark, Dame Esther Rantzen of That’s Life, and Soccer AM’s Helen Chamberlain — have managed anything close.

Yet, whispers about Claudia possibly leaving after her Traitors success soon morphed into speculation that Tess might not continue without her.

Those murmurs, unfortunately, reached Tess’s ears.

According to insiders, Tess knew that the BBC’s preference was for the pair to stay together.

“Tess dedicated over 20 years to the show,” a source told me.

“If Claudia left first, it would have felt like she was being pushed out. It’s natural she would want to stick with her friend.”

The Farewell Announcement That Shocked Everyone

The pair’s departure was announced in a farewell video that blindsided the BBC and thrilled millions of fans.

On Instagram last month, Claudia said: “Hi, it’s Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.”

Tess added warmly: “After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.

I think, genuinely, we have cherished every second.”

Beneath the friendly tone, though, was a clear message: this was two friends standing together, supporting one another through thick and thin.

One associate explained, “Claudia is the most loyal friend you could wish for.

She wouldn’t want Tess to be ridiculed, so they planned this move together.”

Two Very Different Backgrounds, One Strong Friendship

Despite their contrasting upbringings, Tess and Claudia forged an authentic bond.

Claudia, daughter of former newspaper editor Eve Pollard and publisher Barry Winkleman, attended the prestigious City of London School for Girls before studying at Cambridge.

Tess, by contrast, grew up in Derbyshire where her parents worked in a textiles factory.

Their careers also took very different paths.

Claudia gained fame on shows like Fame Academy and Holiday, while Tess’s big break came after being spotted by a modelling scout outside a McDonald’s in Manchester and appearing in the music video for The Beloved’s Sweet Harmony at age 21. “I cringe when I’m reminded of that video,” Tess has said.

Career Moves and Life Choices

Claudia married PR mogul-turned-film producer Kris Thykier, while Tess married former model Vernon Kay.

Both couples have built strong family lives, with Tess and Vernon raising two daughters together.

While the official story is that both hosts chose to leave Strictly together, insiders reveal that Claudia is now particularly in demand.

Following her hit show Traitors — alongside The Piano and The Great British Sewing Bee — ITV is said to be circling, and a new chat show produced by Graham Norton’s team is in the works for her next year.

Hollywood Connections and New Ventures

Claudia’s connections, including her well-connected husband and friendships with Hollywood stars like Courteney Cox, are expected to help attract top-tier guests for her upcoming projects.

“Courteney has been around forever and knows everyone in LA,” says a source.

“She’s also a massive girl’s girl and will support Claudia however she can.”

Meanwhile, Tess is exploring her own ventures. Her swimwear line Naia Beach continues to thrive, and partnerships with Marks & Spencer and Vitabiotics show she has a solid plan beyond Strictly.

Rumours even suggest the BBC may offer her a new presenting role.

A source familiar with the situation said: “Tess never imagined it would last this long, but she’s a grafter and a survivor. She’s ready for whatever comes next.”

What Lies Ahead

For two of Britain’s most beloved television personalities, leaving Strictly marks the end of an era.

But with loyal fans, thriving side projects, and a friendship that has weathered the spotlight, Tess and Claudia are stepping into the next chapters of their careers on their own terms — together and apart.