In an emotional and hilarious send-off, Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman was left screaming with shock and delight after the show's cast staged a surprise tribute during her final episode. The moment unfolded live on air as Claudia, who announced her departure in September, prepared to open the public vote for the series finale.
A Surprise in Sequins and Fringe
As Claudia informed viewers the final vote was open, she was stunned to see a group of professional dancers appear wearing perfect replicas of the distinctive blazer she had on. To complete the look, they also sported wigs mimicking her iconic heavy fringe and long hair. The host's reaction was immediate and visceral, shouting "No way!" in disbelief.
The surprise was compounded when notoriously stern judge Craig Revel Horwood also appeared on screen in the same Claudia-inspired get-up. Maintaining his characteristically stony expression while peering through the fringe, Craig's participation sent Claudia into further paroxysms of joy. She repeatedly covered her mouth, laughing and screaming as the scale of the tribute dawned on her.
A Low-Key Exit and a Nod to the Past
This marked the most overtly emotional moment Claudia had shown regarding her exit. Both she and co-host Tess Daly, who are leaving the show together after over ten years, had chosen not to directly address their departure at the start of the final, instead focusing on the competing dancers.
However, Claudia had already made a subtle tribute of her own earlier in the series. For one show, she wore a blazer with the words "Keep dancing" emblazoned on the back. This was the famous catchphrase of Sir Bruce Forsyth, the original host whom Claudia succeeded as a main presenter in 2014 when he stepped down.
A Joint Farewell After a Decade
The announcement of their dual departure, made via a joint Instagram post in September, came as a surprise to many fans. In their statement, the pair said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time." They extended thanks to the BBC and everyone working on the show.
In a later, more low-key Instagram post, they shared backstage photos, including one highlighting Claudia's 'Keep dancing' blazer, captioned: "You better believe we’re gonna keep dancing." During the final show, Claudia also joked about doing a showdance with Tess, quipping to the male pros when Tess declined, "Apparently tonight is all about the finalists."
The heartfelt and funny tribute from the cast ensured Claudia Winkleman's last regular episode as host was memorable, celebrating her unique style and decade-long contribution to the BBC's flagship entertainment programme.
