In a moment that left millions of viewers reaching for the tissues, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman finally said goodbye to the beloved BBC show that has defined their careers – and British Saturday nights – for more than two decades.

The presenting duo, who have been the heart and soul of Strictly Come Dancing since 2004 and 2014 respectively, hosted their final live episode on December 20, 2025, as former England footballer Karen Carney and pro dancer Carlos Gu lifted the glittering Glitterball trophy in a nail-biting finale.

But the real story was the emotional outpouring for Tess and Claudia, as the nation bid farewell to the glamorous pair who have guided us through every cha-cha, tango and waltz with warmth, wit and endless sparkle.

The end of an era: From Bruce Forsyth to the Queen’s heartfelt tribute

Tess Daly, 56, has been with Strictly since its very first series in 2004, initially co-hosting alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth before Claudia Winkleman joined her in 2014 to create one of TV’s most iconic female duos.

Their partnership has been pure magic – the perfect blend of Tess’s polished poise and Claudia’s quirky humour – and when they announced in October 2025 that the current series would be their last, the nation was stunned.

‘We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,’ they said in a joint statement at the time. ‘We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time.’

And right it was. The final live show was an emotional rollercoaster, with tributes pouring in from celebrities, fans and even Queen Camilla, who sent a personal message read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood.

‘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,’ the Queen wrote. ‘Yours has been the best Strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated… has been at the heart of the show’s success.’

The studio audience, which included Tess’s husband broadcaster Vernon Kay, gave the pair a standing ovation that lasted minutes. Tess, fighting back tears, told viewers: ‘It has been such an honour and an absolute pleasure sharing this with you.’

Claudia added: ‘All that’s left to do now is please, keep dancing – and celebrate our fantastic winners, Kaz and Carlos.’

The festive finale: Christmas presents from the judges that melted hearts

The goodbyes didn’t end there. The duo’s very last appearance together came in the pre-recorded Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, airing on Christmas Day 2025 – and it was packed with surprises.

The judges pulled out all the stops to give Tess and Claudia unforgettable ‘presents’. Tess, who has never danced competitively on the show before, was swept off her feet by Slovenian pro Aljaž Škorjanec for a steamy Argentine Tango.

‘A goodbye gift from the judges,’ Tess laughed, as Aljaž twirled her around the ballroom floor in a glittering gown. ‘I can’t believe it – what an honour!’

Meanwhile, Claudia received her own special moment when musical director Dave Arch turned up at her door in a nod to the Christmas classic Love Actually, complete with placards and a heartfelt farewell.

The special saw six celebrities – including Scarlett Moffatt, Brian McFadden, Melanie Blatt, Nicholas Bailey, Babatunde Aleshe and Jodie Ounsley – battle it out for the festive crown, judged by Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton du Beke, with the studio audience having the final say.

Why now? The real reason behind the shock departure

Insiders say Tess and Claudia always planned to leave together – and after 21 years for Tess and 11 for Claudia, the time simply felt right.

‘We’ll cry when we say the last “keep dancing”,’ they joked in their announcement, ‘but we’ll continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.’

The decision came amid reports that the show’s future was secure, but the pair wanted to bow out while Strictly was still riding high.

Tess, who was awarded an MBE in the 2025 Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting, has built a glittering career beyond Strictly – from presenting Children in Need to fronting the National Lottery shows.

But it’s the ballroom that will always hold her heart.

The family behind the glamour: Vernon, Phoebe and Amber

For Tess, family has always been her anchor. Married to TV presenter Vernon Kay since 2003, the couple share two daughters: Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 18.

Vernon was in the studio audience for the final, cheering on his wife as she bid farewell to the show. The couple have always kept their private life relatively low-key, but Tess has spoken openly about how Vernon is the ‘strict parent’ while she’s the soft touch.

Their daughters have grown up in the spotlight, with Phoebe recently celebrating her 21st birthday and looking every inch the mini-Tess.

The nation’s reaction: From tears to tributes

Social media exploded with emotion after the final.

‘Thank you Tess and Claudia for the joy, the laughter, the sparkle – you’ll be missed forever,’ one fan wrote.

Rylan Clark tweeted: ‘Love you both so much. Irreplaceable.’

Zoe Ball added: ‘Bravo Tess. You’re an absolute goddess.’

Even the judges got emotional. Craig Revel Horwood called them ‘fab-u-lous’, while Shirley Ballas said: ‘They are the heart of Strictly.’

As for the winners, Karen Carney became the first female footballer to lift the trophy, and Carlos Gu the first openly gay and Asian man to win – a historic moment in a historic finale.

What’s next for Tess and Claudia?

Tess has hinted at new projects, but insists she’ll always be a Strictly girl at heart.

‘I’ll never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is,’ she once joked. ‘I still don’t know!’

Claudia, meanwhile, is expected to continue with her hugely popular podcast and other presenting gigs.

But one thing is certain: the ballroom will never be quite the same without the duo who made us laugh, cry and fall in love with dancing week after week.

As Tess and Claudia signed off one last time: ‘Keep dancing.’

We will, ladies. We promise.