Strictly Come Dancing fans were left emotional on Christmas Day as they tuned in to a bittersweet festive special, realising it marked the final time beloved presenting duo Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman would helm the show together.
An Emotional Farewell on Christmas Day
The BBC's annual Christmas special aired as usual on 25 December 2025, featuring celebrity contestants like Scarlett Moffatt, Melanie Blatt, and Brian McFadden vying for the one-off Glitterball Trophy. However, the festive cheer was tinged with sadness for viewers, who were acutely aware that this episode signalled the end of an era for the show's iconic hosts.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced their decision to leave the programme in October 2025, were presenting their last ever show after a remarkable 15-year partnership at the helm. Daly has been with Strictly since its inception in 2004, initially hosting alongside the late Bruce Forsyth.
Viewers React to the End of an Era
The realisation that this was the pair's final show prompted an outpouring of sentiment from devoted fans on social media. Many described feeling a sense of loss despite the Christmas celebrations.
One viewer expressed their sadness online, stating it was the "final time we'll ever see Tess and Claudia together" and that they were "in mourning." Another fan declared the show would "never gonna be the same without these queens," accompanied by crying and broken heart emojis. A third social media user prepared others for an "emotional" night, urging them to "mark the end of an era" as the hosts officially signed off.
A Fond Look Back and Gracious Exit
The duo's departure was confirmed in a heartfelt video announcement earlier in the year. Sitting side-by-side, Winkleman addressed the "rumblings" directly, with Daly adding they had news to share.
Daly explained that after 21 "wonderfully joyful years" on Strictly, they felt the time was right to "step aside and pass on the baton." Winkleman humorously interjected, calling it "the very sparkly baton," highlighting their trademark wit.
Reflecting on their long tenure, Daly noted the show had been a "huge part of our lives," spanning the time from when their children were "babes in arms" to becoming young adults. Both presenters paid tribute to the show's production team, calling them "the very best team in television," and thanked the loyal audience for their support throughout the entire two-decade journey.
Their final hosting duty came just a week prior, when they crowned Karen Carney and Carlos Gu as the winners of the latest main series. The Christmas special served as their official, emotional sign-off, leaving a glittering legacy and big shoes to fill for their successors.
