Phoebe Daly, the 21-year-old daughter of Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly, has given fans a heartfelt glimpse behind the scenes of her mother's emotional final show. Sharing a series of snaps on social media, Phoebe paid a moving tribute to her mum, who stepped down after 21 years as co-host alongside Claudia Winkleman.
A Glittering Finale and a Touching Tribute
The photographs, taken after Saturday night's grand finale, showed Phoebe matching her glamorous 56-year-old mother in a stunning gold gown as they posed together on the iconic Strictly dance floor. Phoebe, whom Tess shares with husband Vernon Kay along with 16-year-old daughter Amber, appeared completely at ease in the spotlight, also posing with judge Anton Du Beke and the series' professional winner, Carlos Gu.
In a lengthy caption accompanying the images, Phoebe penned an emotional farewell to the era. "Wow. What an incredible Strictly Come Dancing final last night," she wrote. "The love and joy strictly creates is something magical and I’m so lucky to have seen my mum work with the absolute best people."
She continued, highlighting the personal significance of the show: "It’s been in my life since the day mum was pregnant with me so I don’t know life without Strictly and for that reason I will forever be the show's number one fan."
Viewers Call for a New Hosting Dynasty
The public response to Phoebe's poised appearance and heartfelt words was immediate. Fans flooded the comments section with suggestions that she should succeed her mother as a host of the beloved BBC programme.
One fan declared: "I think Tess's daughter is the rightful heir to her wonderful mum." Another directly appealed: "You should step into your Mum’s shoes and take the helm of SCD. I think you’d be amazing!" The sentiment was widely echoed, with numerous comments labelling Phoebe an "amazing replacement."
A Fitting Send-Off with Royal Approval
The 2025 final was a night of high emotion, marking the end of an era for both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their departures in October. The climax saw former footballer Karen Carney, 38, crowned champion with her professional partner Carlos Gu after each finalist performed three dances.
Before the winner was announced, the presenting duo were treated to a special tribute video. They were visibly moved when judge Craig Revel Horwood read out a personal letter from Her Majesty Queen Camilla.
The Queen's letter praised the pair, stating: "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 fabulous." She signed off with a request: "Do promise us one thing, keep dancing."
As the glitterball was lifted by Karen and Carlos, the night closed not just on another series, but on the tenure of two of British television's most beloved hosts, with the public already speculating about who might fill their formidable shoes.
