In a moment that’s left Strictly Come Dancing fans reaching for the tissues, beloved presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shared a deeply emotional farewell at the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom – the glittering heart of the show’s most magical annual special.

Photos and clips from the 2025 Blackpool week have gone absolutely viral, racking up thousands of shares, likes and tearful comments across Instagram, X and Facebook. The images capture the duo looking radiant yet visibly moved on the iconic sprung floor, embracing each other amid sparkling lights, with the famous Tower backdrop adding extra poignancy to what many are calling the end of an era.

“This is our final Blackpool,” Tess captioned one heartfelt post, admitting she felt “so sad” as the pair hosted what would be their last-ever show from the historic venue. Claudia, ever the emotional one, struggled to hold back tears during rehearsals and live moments, hugging Tess tightly as fans watched in real time.

The Blackpool special – a Strictly tradition since the show’s early days – always brings extra sparkle, with celebrities dancing under the famous ballroom’s chandeliers. But this year, the magic was bittersweet. Tess and Claudia had shocked the nation just weeks earlier by announcing they were stepping down after more than two decades fronting the BBC smash hit.

“Blackpool holds such a special place in our hearts,” Tess said in a moving statement shared by Love Blackpool on social media. “It’s always so special to be back… and it feels even more so tonight as this is our final Blackpool.”

The announcement came via an emotional Instagram video where the pair revealed their decision to bow out at the end of the 2025 series – leaving viewers stunned and devastated. “Nobody expected it,” one Strictly star told the BBC, summing up the collective shock.

A Bond That’s Captivated Millions

Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, have been the golden duo of Strictly since Claudia joined Tess in 2014 (after Tess co-hosted with Sir Bruce Forsyth from the very first series in 2004). Their chemistry – Tess’s poised elegance paired with Claudia’s chaotic, hilarious energy – became the show’s secret sauce. From wardrobe malfunctions and accidental blunders to heartfelt encouragement for nervous celebrities, they’ve guided 21 series with warmth, wit and unwavering support.

Blackpool week has always been their favourite. The seaside town’s Tower Ballroom – with its stunning architecture, live orchestra and party atmosphere – turns Strictly into something truly special. This year, the pair partied hard after the live show, hitting shots of £85 tequila in matching T-shirts, letting their hair down in what insiders called a “proper boozy send-off.”

But behind the glamour, emotions ran high. During the show, eagle-eyed viewers spotted awkward slip-ups – the hosts laughing off mistakes after a dance-off was axed due to injury. Claudia broke down in rehearsals, hugging Tess as tears flowed. “We will miss you both so, so much,” one viral Instagram reel read, accompanied by clips of their journey over the years.

Fans flooded comments sections with love:

• “Beautiful memories, Tess and Claudia we will miss you both so, so much ✨💔”
• “Tess and Claude – an iconic duo forever in the Strictly family! 💏 I’ll cherish the memories we’ve made. Your friendship is truly special and beautiful. You’ll be dearly missed!”
• “No this made me so emotional! We will miss you so much! You will always be a part of Strictly Come Dancing. We love you ❤️❤️”

Even on Reddit, threads exploded: “Goodbye Tess and Claudia you have been on my TV screen for 12 weeks from September to December every year for 20 of my 23 years of life.”

The Emotional Blackpool Farewell

The Blackpool episode itself was packed with drama – stunning routines, surprise returns and heartfelt tributes. A legend caught Tess off guard with a big question about her future during the live broadcast, leaving her momentarily speechless.

After the show, the pair partied into the night. Snaps showed them raising glasses, dancing and soaking up the atmosphere one last time. “Pure magic!” one fan declared online.

The real goodbye came later – in the grand final and Christmas special. Tess and Claudia embraced on the dancefloor, signing off with a simple but powerful message: “Keep dancing!”

In the finale, a surprise video tribute featured messages from fans, celebrities including Dame Mary Berry, and past pros paying homage to the women who’d become Strictly’s beating heart. Tess later penned an emotional Instagram tribute: “Thank you from the bottom of my heart… memories of a lifetime.”

Claudia, often the more tearful of the two, admitted in interviews it was “inconceivable” they were leaving. “You are up there with Eric and Ernie,” one viewer wrote, comparing them to comedy legends.

Why Now? The Reasons Behind the Exit

The pair’s decision wasn’t taken lightly. Tess cited family time and new opportunities, while Claudia hinted at her own projects (rumours of a chat show swirl). But sources say the gruelling schedule – live shows every weekend from September to December – had taken its toll after 20+ years.

“They had no choice,” one Reddit theory joked about “the ravens leaving the tower,” but the truth is simpler: after giving everything to Strictly, it was time for new chapters.

The BBC has yet to confirm replacements, but whispers suggest big names are in talks. Fans are adamant: no one can replace Tess and Claudia’s unique magic.

Fan Reactions: Tears, Love and Calls for Comebacks

Social media remains flooded. Instagram reels of their best moments rack up millions of views, with captions like “Irreplaceable 💖” and “We wish you weren’t going 😢”.

On X, hashtags #ThankYouTessAndClaudia and #StrictlyFarewell trend, with users sharing throwbacks: Tess’s first series with Bruce, Claudia’s chaotic hair moments, their supportive hugs during tough weeks.

“Tess and Claudia were great because they didn’t get in the way of the show,” one Reddit user noted. “Even Claudia at her most exuberant didn’t overshadow the contestants.”

Others praised their role in making Strictly inclusive and joyful: “They made us laugh, cry and believe in magic every Saturday.”

As one emotional post summed up: “Another series comes to an end and a tearful farewell to this dynamic duo, with new beginnings ahead… but we’ll never forget.”

Looking Ahead: Life After Strictly

Tess has teased family-focused projects and perhaps more modelling or presenting gigs. Claudia’s lined up for bigger TV roles. But both insist Strictly will always hold a special place.

“You’ll never know how much me and my girl watch it because of your hilarity and genius partnership,” one fan wrote. “Inconceivable that you’re leaving.”

The Blackpool photos – Tess and Claudia glowing under the lights, arms around each other – have become iconic symbols of their legacy. Shared thousands of times, they capture not just a farewell, but gratitude for two decades of joy.

As Strictly moves forward, one thing’s certain: the Tower Ballroom – and millions of living rooms – will never quite be the same without Tess and Claudia’s sparkle.

Keep dancing, ladies. You’ve earned every glitterball star.