The glittering Strictly Come Dancing ballroom witnessed a poignant end of an era on Christmas Day, as beloved hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman presented from the famous dancefloor for the very last time. The duo, who announced their joint departure in October, signed off with an emotional embrace during the show's festive special, which was pre-recorded before their live farewell in Saturday's grand final.
A Festive Finale and a Perfect Score
Dressed in elegant white and cream outfits, Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, shared a heartfelt hug and a little dance as the celebrity contestants applauded their monumental contribution to the BBC juggernaut. Bringing the chapter to a close, a moved Tess told viewers: 'Thank you again for watching us over the years, it has truly meant the world to us.'
The Christmas Special itself was a fast-tracked dancing extravaganza, with a new batch of celebrities vying for the festive Glitterball Trophy. The victory went to former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, 35, and her professional partner Vito Coppola, 33. They achieved a perfect score of 40 out of 40 for their Cha Cha to Cher’s 'DJ Play A Christmas Song', impressing judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Oti Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke.
'This is honestly the greatest gift that could have ever happened at Christmas,' an elated Scarlett exclaimed after her win. 'We've all just had the best time!' She triumphed over fellow contestants including comedian Babatunde Aléshé, singer Brian McFadden, Gladiators star Jodie Ounsley, All Saints' Melanie Blatt, and EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey.
Royal Tribute and Future Plans
The hosts' final live show on Saturday was packed with tributes, including a surprise letter from Queen Camilla, read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood. The Queen Consort praised their 'warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness', calling theirs 'the greatest strictly partnership of all'. A visibly emotional Tess responded: 'What an honour. Thank you so much... from the bottom of our hearts it means so much to us.'
While the pair attended the series wrap party, it has been reported they plan a more intimate, 'boozy' farewell lunch in the New Year for the core team. Claudia left the main party early after one drink, while Tess celebrated into the early hours.
Passing the Baton: Who Could Replace Them?
With the hosts' shoes now empty, speculation is rife about their successors. Head judge Shirley Ballas has publicly backed two potential candidates. 'I think Rylan [Clark] could be a good candidate... Judge Rinder would be wicked in the Clauditorium,' she told The Independent. She also noted that current judge Anton Du Beke 'would love to be hosting'.
Tess Daly has been the face of Strictly since its launch in 2004, initially presenting with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia Winkleman joined the main show in 2013, taking over from Sir Bruce. In their original departure 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.' Their final 'keep dancing' on the Christmas Special marks the end of a defining chapter in British television entertainment.
