Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have confirmed they will step down as co-hosts of Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the current 23rd series.  In a joint social media announcement, they described their time on the show as “an absolute dream” and said that “now feels like the right time” to pass the baton. 

Daly has been with Strictly since its launch in 2004, first alongside Bruce Forsyth, while Winkleman, after years on the spin off It Takes Two, became her full time co-host in 2014.  Their final appearance together on the main show will be the Christmas special. 

In their statement, the pair extended heartfelt thanks to the BBC, the production teams, contestants, dancers and audience alike, saying they will continue to host through the rest of the current run and “cry when we say our last ‘Keep dancing!’”  The BBC has not yet named their replacements. 

The news of their departure has been met with shock and sadness across the show’s community. Head judge Shirley Ballas called the announcement “heartbreaking,” praising their warmth and professionalism. Craig Revel Horwood described it as “the end of an era,” admitting he was surprised by the news.

Former dancer Oti Mabuse said it “broke her heart,” while her sister and judge Motsi Mabuse shared that she was “still reeling.” Fellow pros and past contestants like Dianne Buswell and Clara Amfo expressed gratitude for the duo’s humour and kindness, crediting them for inspiring women in broadcasting.

Fans online echoed the emotional tributes, calling Tess and Claudia “irreplaceable,” while speculation swirls about who might take over with names like Rylan Clark, Alison Hammond, and Zoe Ball already being discussed.