Tess Daly’s reason for leaving Strictly Come Dancing explained as parting gift unveiled
The presenter’s final episode of the BBC show after 21 years will be broadcast on Christmas Day
Tess Daly has stepped away from Strictly Come Dancing after 21 years(Image: BBC)
Tess Daly’s final ever Strictly Come Dancing episode will be broadcast later today. The 56-year-old and longtime co-host Claudia Winkleman have stood down from the popular BBC show and have already presented their last live episode with Saturday’s season finale.
However, the pre-recorded Christmas special gives viewers one last time to see Tess and Claudia on the dancefloor. Tess will mark her last episode in style as she will perform an Argentine Tango with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec. An insider told our sister site, Mirror Online, about Tess and Claudia’s final emotional moments.
They told The Mirror: “Tess and Claudia looked pretty choked as they grabbed hold of each other’s hands and said that this was the final time they were ever going to say ‘keeeeeep dancing’.”
They added: “They were fighting hard to hold it together but it was clear they were saying that iconic catchphrase with more emotion than ever before.”
Tess’ live episode was equally emotional as she received a message from the Queen Consort, Camilla. Craig Revel Horwood read out the message, as he said: “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.
“If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.
“The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous.
“I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next. But as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing: Keeeeeeeep dancing!”
Tess has been part of the presenting line-up since the first show in 2004 and explained she is stepping away from the show as now feels the right time to go.
She said: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes….
“Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.
“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.
“From that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth. Brucie set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection and pure showbiz magic.
“I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our magnificent judges, and all the celebrities who have taken part.
“I absolutely adore our brilliant crew – every single member of the Strictly team who has worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is. You are the very best in the business – the kindest, most fun, most loyal, and definitely the hardest-working team in television.
“Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, and the countless memories over all these years. You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much.