As the glitterball trophy awaits its 2025 champion, Strictly Come Dancing is braced for a seismic shift beyond the winner's circle. Judge Anton du Beke has revealed the impending departure of iconic presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will leave "a huge hole" in the hit BBC show.
An Emotional Farewell After Two Decades
Speaking ahead of Saturday's grand final, du Beke confessed the atmosphere will be charged with emotion. He confirmed the presenting duo, who announced their joint exit in October, have put their feelings aside to focus on the competition until now. "Now we're at the end and suddenly it's becoming real," du Beke stated. "Tomorrow night, it's the last time they ever do the show for us and it's absolutely the end of an era."
He highlighted the profound legacy of the hosts, noting that Tess Daly, 56, has been with Strictly since its 2004 inception, while Claudia Winkleman, 53, joined during the second series. Despite their pact to leave together, forged when they began fronting the show as a duo in 2014, the pair have requested no grand on-air send-off, wishing the spotlight to remain on the finalists.
No Exit Pact Between the Original Judges
Once Daly makes her final bow, the only remaining original figures from the 2004 launch will be Anton du Beke and fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood. However, du Beke was quick to dismiss any suggestion of a similar coordinated departure plan with his notoriously critical colleague. "We've not decided 'if one goes, the other goes'," he laughed. "If Craig goes, I'm staying! There's no pact between him and I."
Emphatically declaring his commitment, the judge, who turns 60 next year, added: "I'm going out feet first." He expressed deep pride in the BBC Saturday night institution, calling it "a huge part of my life" and crediting it for his career trajectory.
The Search for New Hosts and a Show That Endures
With the finalists—George, Amber, and Karen—battling in what du Beke calls the "tightest contest for many years," BBC bosses now face the major task of finding new hosts. Du Beke noted the corporation has "the world to choose from" and doesn't need to decide immediately, with the next series not due until September 2026.
When asked about speculation that he could step into Bruce Forsyth's shoes as a presenter, du Beke remained diplomatic. "I've not had a go at the other side. Who knows? I've got literally no control over this whatsoever," he said, though he admitted being flattered by fan suggestions.
Reflecting on Strictly's enduring appeal through various scandals, du Beke pinpointed its multi-layered, inclusive nature. "It speaks to everyone," he explained, citing past contestants like deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis and blind comedian Chris McCausland. He praised the show's production values, from its camera work and costumes to its legendary band, asserting: "The best people who work in this world are working on Strictly Come Dancing."
As for the departing duo, Anton du Beke predicts a poignant comedown. "I think on Sunday morning, when they wake up, they'll go, 'oh, that's it.' There's going to be a big hole for them, which they'll have to take a bit of time to process." And he won't be immune to the feelings himself. "I'll be emotional too - I can't help it now. I'm still a bit stunned that they've decided to leave."
