An era in British television will draw to a close this weekend as Tess Daly hosts her final live episode of Strictly Come Dancing. The presenter, alongside her co-host Claudia Winkleman, announced their departure from the flagship BBC show back in October, marking the end of a presenting partnership that has defined the programme for over a decade.
An Emotional Farewell After Two Decades
The final live show is scheduled for Saturday 20 December 2025. While their last appearance together as a duo will be in a pre-recorded Christmas Day special, Saturday night's live final represents the end of an era for Daly's regular involvement with the main series. Her husband, broadcaster Vernon Kay, shared an emotional public tribute to her long tenure on the programme.
"It's been an amazing 21 years," Kay stated, encapsulating the significant chapter in both Daly's career and the show's history. His words highlight the profound personal and professional journey the role has represented.
The Final Dance for the Glitterball
While the focus will be on the hosts' departure, the competitive spirit of Strictly remains. Three couples are set to compete for the coveted glitterball trophy in Saturday's grand final. The remaining celebrities battling it out on the dance floor are Amber Davies, Karen Carney, and George Clarke.
Their performances will provide the climax to a series that has seen one of its most significant behind-the-scenes changes since its inception.
The End of a Legendary Partnership
The announcement in October that both Daly and Winkleman would be stepping down sent shockwaves through the show's loyal fanbase. Having guided audiences through countless Waltzes, Cha-Cha-Chas, and dramatic eliminations, their chemistry became a cornerstone of the Strictly experience.
Their final joint hosting duty will be for the festive special, offering a slightly more relaxed farewell before the show returns with a new presenting team. The departure of such iconic figures marks a pivotal moment for Strictly Come Dancing, one of the UK's most beloved entertainment institutions.
The live final promises to be a night of high emotion, spectacular dancing, and a fitting tribute to a presenter who has been at the heart of the show for 21 remarkable years.
