The iconic co-hosts of ‘Strictly Come Dancing‘ dropped a double bombshell on the morning of Thursday, October 23, as they both announced they would be leaving the show at the end of the current series.
Tess Daly has fronted the show since it began in 2004 and, to date, has hosted almost 500 episodes. Winkleman joined in 2010. Until 2013, they worked alongside the legendary Bruce Forsythe (who since passed away in 2017), but they have worked as a double-act for the last 12 years.
Both stars took to Instagram to issue their emotional statements regarding their upcoming departures from ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’
Daly Says Hosting ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Was an ‘Absolute Dream’
In a video posted by Daly on her Instagram account, she is sitting next to Winkleman as they tell their fans they want to confirm the news themselves, because there have been “rumblings” about their status on ‘Strictly Come Dancing.’
Daly then says, “We have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.”
The clearly emotional pair then explain how the show has been a huge part of their lives and how they consider themselves extremely lucky to have been a part of it.
The video’s caption says it’s been an “absolute dream” to host the show and that it feels like the right time to leave together. The caption ends with them saying they’ll be watching the show at home in their tracksuit bottoms with pizza from now on.
Comments on the video came from celebrities and fans alike, with former Strictly professional dancer Oti Mabuse writing, “Wow! ð¢ how devastating ðyou two have been incredible to work with – thank you so much for all the beautiful memories, for representing females presenters, being iconic, the laughs and years of family youâve given all us â¤ï¸. From the beginning you were the highlight of our weekends! Wish you both luck – I will miss you so much!!!”
Current Strictly professional Karen Hauer wrote, “I love you both so much. Powerhouse duo. â¥ï¸”
One of this season’s celebrity participants, former soccer player Karen Carney, commented, “Actually devastated ð¢ Strictly won’t be the same without you both and so sad to see you go, love you two!! â¤ï¸”
Television and radio personality Rylan Clark added, “Adore you both the world. The biggest pleasure working with you both. Pair of icons xxxâ¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸.”
Fans were equally vocal, with one writing, “It will never be the same. Nobody is going to beat the speedy wit of @claudiawinkle in the clauditorium!”
Winkleman Hails ‘Greatest Relationship’ of Her Career
In Winkleman’s post on her Instagram account, she posted a series of photographs from her time on the show.
The pictures show her alongside Daly, Forsythe, and other ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ stars. A long caption accompanies the images, in which Winkleman says, “Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it.”
The comments on her post were just as emotional as the ones on Daly’s.
Former Strictly professional dancer AJ Pritchard wrote, “The claud-auditorium is always the highlight of ever single performance. This is so sad. You are amazing.. â¤ï¸â¤ï¸”
Current Strictly professional Dianne Buswell commented, “â¤ï¸ Claud ð¢ quite simply put I love you â¤ï¸.”
One of this series’ celebrities, television personality Vicky Pattison, said, “Irreplaceable mate 𥹠you are effortlessly hilarious, warm and wonderfully gracious with us all. You will be missed.. an honour to do your last series with you ð©·.”
A former participant on the show, television presenter and journalist Stacey Dooley, wrote, “BUT WHO IN LORDS NAME AM I GONNA SWOON OVER THEIR SARTORIAL SATURDAY SLAYS NOW????? â£ï¸â£ï¸â£ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸ HAVE THE BEST EVS LAST SEASON! ðª©ðª©ðª©ðª©ðª©”
The sentiments of many viewers was echoed by one fan who wrote, “You are literally my favourite part of the show now. I hope this means we’ll see a lot more of you on other shows, where you will then be my favourite part of those shows â¤ï¸.”
Winkleman currently hosts ‘The Traitors’ and we’re sure both her and Daly will have no trouble finding new jobs to fill the huge gap ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ will leave in their lives.
You can continue watching the pair for the rest of series 23, starting this Saturday, October 25, at 6:20 p.m. GMT on BBC One.
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