Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly has shared an emotional and unseen backstage video as she bid a heartbreaking public goodbye to the BBC show, marking the end of her remarkable 21-year tenure.
An Emotional Final Curtain Call
The poignant tribute was posted on Instagram following the live grand final on Saturday, 21st December 2025, which saw former Lioness Karen Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu lift the coveted Glitter Ball trophy. Daly, who is normally stoic in front of the camera, was visibly choked up several times during the broadcast.
In a lengthy and heartfelt caption accompanying the behind-the-scenes clip, Tess reflected on what she called an "absolutely brilliant series." She paid warm tribute to the entire team behind the programme, emphasising that their work was driven by passion, not just a job.
"Strictly is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda," she wrote. "That love is down to every single member of the brilliant team that makes it, because to none of them is it just a job. It is a gift, and it is truly treasured."
Surprise Tributes and Royal Recognition
The final episode was packed with emotional surprises for Daly and her co-host Claudia Winkleman, who also announced her exit back in October. The duo had intended to keep the focus on the finalists, but producers had other plans.
During the show, a reel of messages from fans and crew saying goodbye was played, leaving both presenters in tears. Judge Craig Revel Horwood then interrupted their attempted farewell speech to read a letter from a "Strictly superfan" – which was later revealed to be from Queen Camilla herself. The royal words of praise caused the pair to become even more emotional.
In a separate surprise, Claudia Winkleman was left screaming with laughter when the dancers and even Judge Craig dressed up in her signature style as she opened the public vote for the final time.
Outpouring of Love from Fans and Colleagues
Tess's farewell post resonated deeply, quickly amassing thousands of comments from devoted fans and famous friends alike. Television presenter Rylan Clark commented, "Love you both so much. Irreplaceable xxx," while broadcaster Zoe Ball added, "bravo Tess. you're an absolute Goddess."
Fans expressed their sadness at the end of an era. One follower wrote, "Please know how much the two of you mean to the nation. Strictly will not be the same without you." Another shared, "I dont know how you two held it together, coz i didn't! I cried all the way through."
Reflecting on her time with the viewers, Tess expressed profound gratitude: "I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive... It has been the most wonderful privilege to have shared it with you all for so many years."
The presenting duo released a joint statement upon their announcement, saying, "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."
As the curtain falls on this chapter, Tess Daly signed off with a promise to her fans, captioning a backstage photo with Claudia: "You better believe we’re gonna keep dancing."
