Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are reportedly planning a final, intimate celebration with close friends to mark the end of their era on the beloved BBC show.
An Emotional Final Bow and a Planned Send-Off
The duo presented their last live episode on Saturday, which saw footballer Karen Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu lift the Glitterball Trophy. This concluded a remarkable 21-year journey for Tess, who has fronted the show since its 2004 launch, and Claudia, who joined the team in 2014.
While they attended the official wrap party over the weekend, insiders reveal a more personal gathering is scheduled for the New Year. A source told The Sun: "It'll be a long lunch with all their closest friends on the show where everyone can really let loose behind closed doors." Claudia was said to have left the main wrap party after just one quiet drink, saving the bigger festivities for this private event.
A Royal Tribute and Historic Finale
Their final live show was packed with heartfelt moments. In a stunning surprise, judge Craig Revel Horwood read a moving letter from Queen Camilla, who praised the pair's "warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness." The Queen described their partnership as "perhaps the greatest strictly partnership of all" and urged them to "keep dancing."
An overwhelmed Tess responded: "I can't speak now. What an honour." Claudia echoed the sentiment, calling it "a wonderful surprise" and stating it had been a "privilege" to be part of viewers' weekends.
Their final appearance will be in the pre-recorded Christmas Day Special. The episode will feature a historic moment as Tess Daly performs her first-ever competitive dance on the show, an Argentine Tango with Aljaž Škorjanec. Claudia will receive a musical farewell from Dave Arch and his band, playfully referencing their long-running on-screen 'romance' in the style of Love Actually.
The End of a Defining Era
Tess Daly began her Strictly tenure co-hosting with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia Winkleman took over his role following his retirement in 2013. Together, they became the heart of the show for over a decade.
The Christmas special will also see the judges present Tess with a special gift, providing a final, emotional goodbye for the presenting team that has defined Strictly for a generation of fans. Their planned intimate party signifies a personal conclusion to a very public and cherished chapter in British television.
