Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Strictly exit LIVE: Hosts' emotional statements in full

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Strictly judge Shirley Ballas has broken her silence on Tess and Claudia's Strictly departure.

Sharing a photo alongside the two presenters, Shirley began: "I don’t even know where to begin… @tessdaly @claudiawinkle. When I joined @bbcstrictly back in 2017, it was Tess and Claudia who took me under their wings. From day one they were my guiding lights, helping me find my feet, showing me the ropes of television and doing so with kindness, patience, generosity and always with a smile.

I have truly never met two more remarkable ladies. Their dedication, grace, humour and sheer hard work has helped make Strictly the magical show that it is. Their energy lifts the ballroom and their friendship is truly beautiful."

She continued: "Hearing they’re leaving the ballroom has broken my heart. My dressing room sits right next to theirs and I’ll miss popping in for our little chats. Sometimes I walk in accidentally thinking their rooms are mine. Those moments have brought me such laughter and warmth over the years.

They are the duo that hold everything together and I’ll miss them more than words can say. Thank you, my beautiful Tess and Claudia, for everything you’ve given to me, to our show and to the millions who adore you. You’ve made my time on the show so very special and you both will always be superstar women in my book. Love you both to the moon and back."

"Ps Claudia, I’m always here if you want to know even more about those fundamentals," she concluded.

Claudia replied: "You’re so so kind. We love you."

Strictly has been one of the nation's most beloved shows after two decades on screen.

In a candid announcement released on Thursday, Tess and Claudia announced their departure from Strictly shocking fans. Now, the real reason behind their departure has been exposed as sources claim the duo wanted to leave “go out at the top” amid ongoing scandals surrounding the show.

A TV source told the Mirror: “The feeling is Tess and Claudia wanted to go out at the top and whilst the show is still huge and shortly after they received MBEs. Announcing it mid series also gives them a bit of a swansong and doesn’t take the spotlight away from the winner.

“Claudia is right at her career peak with The Traitors and other TV offers flooding in. Tess has been hosting the show for more than two decades and like that idea of more weekends with her family and her friends.

“The recent scandals around the show have also impacted the ratings a little bit and there might be more around the corner, so they weighed it up and feel it is the right time to quit.”

The exit comes after the pair's reported eye-watering six-figure contact, which the pair are said to have signed two years ago, making them two of the highest earners at the BBC.

In 2023, Tess and Claudia signed a contract that would keep them as the hosts of Strictly for two more years. The two were believed to have already had an incredibly high combined wage of more than £300,000 but a new six-figure deal made the pair soar even higher up the list of the biggest earners at the BBC.

At the time a source told The Sun: "Strictly’s leading ladies may command a high price, but the Beeb view them as great value for money given how popular they are with viewers."

They added the BBC "wouldn't ever dream of ever losing" Tess and Claudia.

Craig Revel-Horwood appeared on Thursday's edition of Loose Women and confessed he found out about their shock departure on social media.

He commented: "10 o'clock this morning I found out. On social media. My watch went ping and there it was.

"I was shocked about it."

Craig went on: "I was sad. I really love them. I have been working on the show with them from the beginning. At first it was Tess, since May 2004, and it's the end of an era.

I know some people need to move on. I get that. I wish them all the love. Every good wish in the world because we're just going to love seeing this out."

"It's a big deal, Claudia and Tess have been the queens. Two women side by side. And they care. How's your husband, how's your child, family? It's the end of an era," Oti said through tears.

"They are my Saturday night. I think it's a shame and it came out of nowhere, I called my sister like 'What the hell is that?' and she's like 'You're in England' and I'm like 'You're a judge, you should know!' We had two minutes in silence, it came out of nowhere and we were just in shock. It breaks my heart and I wish them luck."

Various celebrity names have been thrown around about who could potentially replace the beloved BBC hosts from Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Stacey Dooley, Kevin Clifton, Rose Ayling-Ellis, Fleur East, Alison Hammond, and Vicky Pattison.

But Holly Willoughby and Roman Kemp have emerged as frontrunners, according to Casino Beats.

Willoughby is priced at 2/1, while radio and TV host Roman Kemp is closely behind at 3/1.

Ollie Ring, spokesperson for Casino Beats, said: “The departure of both Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly marks the end of an era for Strictly Come Dancing, and naturally speculation has gone into overdrive about who could take the reins next.

“Holly Willoughby (2/1) and Roman Kemp (3/1) are early market leaders, but familiar faces like Fleur East (5/1) and Janette Manrara (6/1) have strong ties to the show, while Alex Scott (4/1) remains a credible option.

“Ultimately, the BBC’s next choice could shape the next decade of Strictly.”

Zoe Ball breaks silence on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure

Celebrities have reacted to Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly's Strictly exit as former show stars penned tributes to the beloved presenting duo.

Football pundit and Strictly 2019 contestant, Alex Scott, writes: "Still in shock at this news.. you two are a joy, a team, and legends."

Former It Takes Two host and 2005 contestant Zoe Ball says: "Absolute class act. Bravo ladies. Huge love."

Rylan Clark, who previously hosted It Takes Two host - says he had the "biggest pleasure" working with the "pair of icons".

Tess and Claudia will sadly depart Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the current series.

The duo will make their last appearance together on screen for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special which will air on Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

The BBC bosses have issued a statement following the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer for the BBC said: “I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but it’s the end of an era with Tess and Claudia’s decision to bid farewell to the Strictly ballroom. They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond. They’ve been integral to Strictly’s success over the last 20 years, but I understand why they’ve decided it’s time to hang up the glitter ball and get their weekends back. As Craig would say they are fab-u-lous presenters, and they are fab-u-lous friends to me and so many others at the BBC. Thank you Tess and Claud for everything, we will miss you hugely.”

Suzy Lamb, Managing Director, Entertainment, BBC Studios said: “On behalf of the entire production team at Strictly, we are so going to miss Tess and Claudia. Tess brought elegance, poise, and a genuine love for the show that never waned from the very start. And with Claudia’s charm and razor-sharp wit joining us from It Takes Two in 2014 – it cemented a partnership that has kept our audience captivated ever since. Tess and Claudia are much more than presenters to us - they are part of the Strictly production family - and whilst we’ll miss them dearly, we wish them nothing but the best.”

Sarah James, Executive Producer, on Strictly Come Dancing said: "Tess and Claudia are quite simply the best duo of presenters in the business and we are so lucky to have had them as our Strictly anchors for so many years. They have championed countless celebrities on the dancefloor, led us all through two series during the pandemic but more importantly they have a deep and genuine bond with the show and every single member of the team. The Strictly Family is often referred to and these women are the matriarchs of that family. We have been together and supported each other for a long time - through pregnancies, births and deaths and to say we will all miss them terribly is an understatement. Tess, Claudia, THANK YOU for everything, it’s not over yet – let’s enjoy the rest of this fabulous series together. I would say Keep Dancing, but you never actually started!"

Flavia Cacace was a Strictly professional dancer between 2006 and 2012. Speaking on 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell she is "shocked" at the presenters' departure.

"I’m part of the original gang and I experienced the changeover when Bruce left and Claudia stepped in [Winkleman started presenting the Sunday night results show in 2010].

"It was an intense time, and people didn’t know how the audiences would react. But they did a brilliant job."

From Claudia's latest television projects to Tess's work with her fashion collection could their final goodbye spell the end for the BBC show?

Read our full insight here

Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton took to the Strictly dancefloor in 2022 and was paired with Gorka Marquez. The following year she took part in the Strictly: Live Tour where she was partnered with Kai Widdrington.

Speaking on 5 Live today, Helen mused: "You look at Tess’ eyes when you finish a dance. On behalf of everyone who’s been on that dance floor, you look at Tess for reassurance - and Claudia for a laugh.

"It’s a real shame. They’ve served that show so well. It’s going to leave a massive hole. I can’t for one second think that was an easy decision. It’s become their identity.

"Tess has done the show for 21 years; it’s been her whole life. So, I think people will be sad when they go.

"Whoever steps into it next has big shoes to fill."

Tess revealed she wanted more weekends to herself earlier this month just days before she quit the BBC dance competition.

The presenter revealed she would miss her children - Phoebe, 20, and Amber 16 - when they move away but it also would have its benefits.

She also spoke about the fact that in recent years she had missed out on lots of weekends away with pals, because she is such a hands on mum but also because of Strictly commitments.

Speaking on the Happy Baby Mum podcast, Tess said: “I'm not someone who goes for a day to the spa. I'm thinking, what do my kids need me to do today? Do you know what I mean?

“So I'm always making up for that. If I've worked for a day or two, then I'm like, now this time I need to do more for them because I was absent here. So I'm always trying to make up for that. So if I, you know, remove them from that picture.

"Yeah, I don't know. I mean, it could be quite lovely. Could be really great. I could be on weekend breaks with my girlfriends to Ibiza. How about that? I might be back dancing on podiums.”

It has been well known that Claudia and Tess would always leave Strictly at the same time.

Claudia has been particularly vocal about how her family would always take priority. She once told BBC bosses that she refused to work on a certain date because it fell on the same day she was due to take her eldest son to university. Admitting there were "plenty of tears" during her ultimatum phone call, Claudia said she told BBC boss "I'm out" after hearing the dates clashed.

Speaking on BBC Women's Hour, Claudia said: "'I phoned the boss of Strictly quite dramatically and said, through tears, "Sarah I love you.

"I don’t want to leave Strictly and Tess [Daly] and I have agreed we will leave together when they’re done with us, but if the first show is September 13, I’m out and you’ll have to go with somebody else. And there was a beat. And she said, 'Quite dramatic. We don’t start that week.'

"I was like, "alright". I have to go and put up his posters. It’s not that I love him more than others love their kids, but this is something parents have to go through."

Claudia has recently taken on a new role as the host of BBC show The Traitors which has proven to be a big hit with audiences.

ITV presenters Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley paused their live broadcast to announce the shock news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman had quit Strictly.

Cat began: "We have got some breaking news now. After 21 years, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are to leave Strictly Come Dancing after the latest series ends. The pair posted a statement on Tess Daly's Instagram feed announcing the news to fans."

Cat went onto suggest it showed "great camaraderie" between the two presenters quitting the show together, as commentator Nick Ferrari agreed.

He said: "You're right Cat. It's probably a good thing because it's great for those two. They might have other career opportunities and it will allow for someone else. Things have to be freshened up. I know it's a massive show - it gets great numbers. They had a fantastic run."

Strictly stars and fans alike have flooded both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's Instagram with heartfelt comments following their shock exit.

Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse wrote: "I'm reeling from the news, Tess! You've left me speechless, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. Sending you love and best wishes your absence will be deeply felt on Strictly. What an end of an era!"

Dianne Buswell penned: "We love you tess and will miss you so much x."

BBC host Amol Rajan shared a sweet message for Claudia, writing: "You’re a giant of our culture, master of your craft, and adored by millions. I watched you closely when I came in and saw one of the true greats at work. Thank you for everything and enjoy the next chapter."

Ex-Strictly star AJ Pritchard added: "The claud-auditorium is always the highlight of ever single performance. This is so sad. You are amazing..."

Claudia added that it was "difficult to put into words" what the BBC show had meant to her. She added it was a "complete honour" to work with Tess on the results show, to then co-hosting on Saturday nights.

The Traitors host wrote: "Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives - all utterly amazing.

"I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights. As for Tess - I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you."

Tess issued a separate statement as she thanked fans for tuning in. 

She said: "From that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth. Brucie set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection, and pure showbiz magic."

Tess wrote: "Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, and the countless memories over all these years. You've filled my heart in ways I'll never forget. I'll miss you all so much. And to you - the viewers at home - the biggest thank you of all. Thank you for welcoming us into your home for over two decades."

She added that it felt like the "right time to hand over the reins", and praised Claudia for being "one of a kind", adding: "I'm so grateful to have you as my friend for life."