It’s the end of an era that no one in Britain was quite ready for: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the glittering queens of Saturday night television, will grace the Strictly Come Dancing ballroom for the very last time tonight in a star-studded Christmas special that promises floods of tears, jaw-dropping surprises and a proper send-off to the duo who’ve become as iconic as the glitterball itself.

The beloved presenters, who shocked the nation when they announced their departure in October after 21 and 11 years respectively, have saved their ultimate farewell for the festive edition – pre-recorded earlier this month but airing on BBC One this Christmas Day.

And if the leaks and sneak peeks are anything to go by, it’s going to be an emotional rollercoaster: Tess, 56, gets swept off her feet in a steamy Argentine Tango with pro heartthrob Aljaž Škorjanec, while Claudia, 53, answers the door to band leader Dave Arch in a hilarious Love Actually parody.

But beneath the sequins and smiles lies genuine heartbreak. Sources close to the pair reveal they’ve been “in bits” behind the scenes, with one insider confessing: “They’ve been like sisters for over a decade – this really is goodbye, and it’s hitting them hard.”

The dynamic duo first broke the news in a joint Instagram video, with Claudia saying: “There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.” Tess added: “After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.”

No specific reason was given, but pals say it’s about reclaiming weekends with family – Tess with husband Vernon Kay and their two daughters, Claudia with her three kids and producer hubby Kris Thykier.

Yet the timing raised eyebrows amid Strictly’s recent scandals, from misconduct allegations to drug probes. One TV exec whispered: “They’ve weathered storms, but perhaps it’s time for fresh faces.”

Their final live show – the 2025 grand final last weekend – was pure emotion. As former England footballer Karen Carney and pro Carlos Gu lifted the glitterball (becoming the first footballer and first openly gay Asian man to win), tributes poured in.

A montage of Tess and Claudia’s best bits played: from magic tricks gone wrong to ghost costumes and that infamous 24-hour danceathon for Comic Relief. Then came the bombshell – a personal message from Queen Camilla, read by Craig Revel Horwood: “I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships… If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all. Do promise us one thing: Keeeeeeeep dancing!”

Tess, fighting tears, replied: “Thank you so much to you all for your lovely words, it has meant the world.” Claudia added: “It’s been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you.”

The studio audience – including Vernon in the front row – gave a standing ovation as the pair hugged amid confetti.

Tess’s Strictly journey began in 2004 alongside the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth. “I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce,” she reflected. When Brucie retired in 2013, Claudia stepped up from It Takes Two, creating TV’s first all-female primetime duo – a groundbreaking moment.

Claudia gushed: “Tess – I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.”

They’ve hosted through triumphs (Bafta wins, MBEs in 2025) and tough times, always with wit, warmth and impeccable fringe game from Claudia.

Tonight’s Christmas special features six celebs battling for the festive trophy: singer Brian McFadden, TV personality Scarlett Moffatt and more, paired with pros.

But the real stars are Tess and Claudia. Judges surprise Tess with that passionate tango – Aljaž dipping her dramatically as she stuns in red. “Tess was nervous but nailed it,” a source spilled. “It’s her gift from the team.”

Claudia gets her Love Actually moment with Dave Arch holding cue cards at her door – a nod to the classic rom-com.

Insiders reveal the pair are planning a “proper boozy send-off” in the New Year – a long lunch with the Strictly family to “let loose” privately.

Fans are devastated. Social media is awash with tributes: “End of an era – no one can replace Tess and Claudia!” one wrote. Another: “Crying already and it’s not even on yet.”

Speculation rages over replacements: Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Fleur East and Janette Manrara top bookies’ odds. Some whisper a male-female duo return.

BBC bosses called them “fab-u-lous” and promised announcements soon.

As Britain tucks into turkey and tunes in, one thing’s certain: Tess and Claudia’s final “Ke-ee-ep dancing!” will echo forever.

They’ve brought joy to millions, forged unbreakable bonds, and turned Saturday nights into sparkle-fests.

Thank you, ladies. The ballroom won’t be the same without you.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman in their final live final – tears flowing as tributes poured in.

From Brucie banter to Claudia’s quirky quips, they’ve been TV gold.

Tonight, as snow falls outside, the Strictly lights dim on two legends.

But as the Queen said: Keep dancing – even if it’s in tracksuits with pizza.