It was a night full of glitz, glamour, and a touch of heartbreak as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman presented their final Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
The longtime hosts, who have fronted the beloved show for decades, shared a tender hug and danced together on the festive stage, leaving fans and contestants alike visibly moved.
The Christmas Special Brings New Stars to the Floor
This year’s festive edition saw a fresh line-up of celebrities taking on the dancefloor in a whirlwind Strictly challenge.
They were determined to claim the Christmas Glitterball Trophy, bringing energy, humor, and high-stakes performances to the stage.
From Babatunde Aléshé to EastEnders’ Nicholas Bailey, the competition was fierce, and the audience was in for a treat.
Scarlett Moffatt and Vito Coppola Take the Crown
The spotlight ultimately shone on Scarlett Moffatt and her professional partner Vito Coppola.
Dancing a Cha Cha to Cher’s DJ Play A Christmas Song, they earned a perfect 40 out of 40 from judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Oti Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
Scarlett, who first rose to fame on Gogglebox, was elated: “This is honestly the greatest gift that could have ever happened at Christmas.
We’ve all just had the best time!”
Tess and Claudia Receive Overwhelming Tributes
As the show came to a close, social media exploded with tributes.
Fans shared heartfelt messages mourning the departure of the iconic duo.
Comments ranged from “They’ll never be another Tess and Claudia” to “I’m sat here sobbing over Tess and Claudia’s last Strictly.”
The emotional reaction underscored just how much the presenters have meant to audiences over the years.
Reflecting on Two Decades of Memories
Tess and Claudia announced their departure back in October, emphasizing the bond they share and the joy of hosting the show together.
“We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” they said.
While the final “keep dancing” will be emotional, the pair promised to continue cheering each other on—albeit from home in tracksuit bottoms with some pizza in hand.
Plans for a Festive and Boozy Celebration
After their last live show, the duo joined a wrap party but kept it relatively low-key.
Sources have revealed a bigger, boozier celebration is planned in the New Year, a proper send-off for all the team who have worked alongside them.
Tess reportedly partied into the early hours, while Claudia kept it more reserved, hinting that the intimate gathering will be the ultimate farewell.
A Royal Surprise on the Dancefloor
The Christmas Special included several surprises, most notably a heartfelt letter from Queen Camilla, read aloud by Craig Revel Horwood.
Praising their warmth, friendship, and impact on the show, the Queen encouraged them to “keep dancing,” a fitting tribute to two decades of unforgettable moments on Strictly.
Fans and Colleagues Pay Tribute
From compilation videos featuring messages from the Strictly crew and Mary Berry to spontaneous applause from the celebrities on the floor, the night was full of love and gratitude.
Tess, visibly emotional, thanked viewers and fans for their unwavering support, while Claudia reflected on the privilege of being part of such a cherished series.
Looking Ahead: Who Could Replace Them
Speculation is already swirling about who might step into Tess and Claudia’s shoes.
Head judge Shirley Ballas has expressed support for two potential BBC presenters, suggesting Rylan Clark and Judge Rinder could be strong contenders.
Other names have been floated, including Holly Willoughby and Zoe Ball, but nothing has been confirmed yet.
A Legacy That Will Be Remembered
After 21 years on the show, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leave behind a legacy of warmth, professionalism, and laughter.
From Claudia taking over after Bruce Forsyth’s retirement in 2013 to their joint exit this Christmas, the duo has become synonymous with Strictly magic.
Their farewell may be emotional, but the memories—and the dancing—will linger for years to come.
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