Tess Daly & Claudia Winkleman Depart from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
The beloved presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are set to depart from the hit show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ at the conclusion of the current season. The duo announced their decision via a heartfelt statement on Daly’s Instagram account, expressing their mutual choice to leave the show together. They emphasized that now feels like the right moment for this decision.
Tess and Claudia’s Journey on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
For over a decade, Daly and Winkleman have been the charming hosts of ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’ Their tenure began in 2013 after Bruce Forsyth stepped down. Since then, they have become a staple of Saturday and Sunday evening entertainment on BBC, consistently attracting millions of viewers each week.
In a candid Instagram video, the presenters acknowledged that there had been murmurs regarding their departure. They expressed their gratitude, stating, “We have loved working as a duo, and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.” They also conveyed their appreciation for the BBC team, calling them the “most brilliant team” and expressing how they would miss them.
Final Episode and BBC’s Response
Their last appearance on the show will be during this year’s Christmas episode, bringing a bittersweet end to their memorable journey. Shortly after their announcement, the BBC officially thanked the presenters for their “passion and dedication that has gone above and beyond.” Kate Phillips, BBC’s Chief Content Officer, described their departure as the “end of an era.”
- Hosts: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
- Start of Tenure: 2013
- Last Episode: Christmas episode of the current season
- Viewership: Millions of weekly viewers
Challenges Faced by the Show
In recent years, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has encountered several controversies. Last year saw two professional dancers exit the show due to allegations of misconduct. Additionally, this season the BBC has launched an investigation into allegations of drug use among cast members.
With the anticipated exit of Daly and Winkleman, speculation is already swirling around potential replacements for the duo. The show remains one of the BBC’s flagship programs, especially as it approaches the festive season.
The Global Influence of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’
Since its inception in 2004, ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has maintained a loyal fanbase. The format has inspired several international versions, including the well-known U.S. show, ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ which has been running for 20 years. As the UK’s largest entertainment show, ‘Strictly’ continues to capture the hearts of viewers across the nation.
