The BBC has issued an official statement regarding the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman from Strictly Come Dancing, confirming their exit from the show.
Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer at the BBC, expressed her sentiments, acknowledging the end of an era with Tess and Claudia’s decision to leave the Strictly ballroom. She praised their exceptional hosting skills, dedication, and integral role in the show’s success over the past two decades. Phillips thanked them for their contributions and wished them well in their future endeavors.
Suzy Lamb, Managing Director of Entertainment at BBC Studios, also shared her thoughts, highlighting Tess’s elegance and poise and Claudia’s charm and wit that have captivated the audience. She described Tess and Claudia as more than just presenters but as part of the Strictly production family, expressing gratitude for their valuable contributions.
Sarah James, Executive Producer of Strictly Come Dancing, hailed Tess and Claudia as the best presenter duo in the industry. She emphasized their significant impact on the show, their strong bond with the team, and their irreplaceable role within the Strictly Family. James expressed deep appreciation for their commitment and support over the years.
Tess and Claudia will bid farewell to Strictly Come Dancing at the conclusion of the current series, with their final appearance together scheduled for the Christmas Special airing on BBC One and iPlayer. In a joint statement, they expressed their love for hosting the show and their gratitude towards the BBC and the entire team. They shared their emotional farewell message and humorously mentioned continuing to “keep dancing” in their own way.
Tess joined Strictly Come Dancing in 2004, while Claudia became part of the team the same year, initially presenting the spin-off show It Takes Two. Their partnership evolved over the years, culminating in their joint hosting of the main program a decade ago.