And indeed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have formally stood down as co-presenters. Viewers of the wildly popular program Strictly Come Dancing will certainly be sad to see them go. The duo has captivated audiences since 2014, bringing warmth and charisma to the show that has become a staple of British entertainment.
Tess began her Strictly Come Dancing career on the very first series. She has been the creative force behind the strings show ever since. Presenter Claudia Winkleman has been with the show from its eighth series. Prior to that, she presented the sister programme It Takes Two from its second series. With their innovative approach, they’ve crafted an exciting tone that’s captivated competitors and viewers around the world.
On the occasion of their final live episode, Queen Camilla, a devoted fan of the show, conveyed her heartfelt appreciation for the pair. Strictly Come Dancing legend Craig Revel Horwood delivered the good news. He has been a judge on Strictly for its entire run, starting in 2004.
“Dear Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week. I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.” – Queen Camilla
We were lucky to have some incredible guests on our final episode. It was an occasion for Duchess Sophie to laud model Ellie Goldstein’s amazing work on the show. Goldstein made a special return for a final group dance, showcasing her talent and resilience. And her productive sweat on the dance floor makes clear why she was deemed such a prodigious talent. She champions MENCAP, a charity that supports people with learning disabilities, with equal passion.
MENCAP Patron, Karen Carney was on hand to support Goldstein. During remarks to an audience including music and theatre luminaries, she stressed the need for inclusion in arts. Johannes Radebe had a truly emotional moment with Queen Camilla. To honor her continued support of the show and all of its dancers, he presented her with a pair of tap shoes.
It’s difficult to imagine an era of Strictly Come Dancing without Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure indicates this will soon be the case. Their joint brilliance has created a standard of friendship and love for the game that it will be hard to match.
