After years of lighting up our Saturday nights with sparkle, laughter, and glamour, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced they’re stepping away from Strictly Come Dancing. The news has left fans across the UK surprised and saddened, and understandably so. For many, these two presenters have become as synonymous with the show as the glitterball trophy itself.
The announcement came via an emotional joint statement shared on their Instagram accounts, which read:
“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. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.
“They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.”
The decision to leave was clearly deeply considered. The duo always agreed that when the time came, they would sign off together. That moment has now arrived, with their final live show airing on Saturday, 20th December 2025. It marks the end of an era for Strictly, and a turning point for both their careers.
Why Is Tess Daly Reportedly Regretting Her Strictly Exit?
While the public-facing statement was filled with warmth and optimism, reports from insiders suggest that Tess Daly may be having second thoughts about the timing of her departure.
Unlike her co-host Claudia Winkleman, who has a full slate of upcoming projects, Tess is believed to be facing a period of professional uncertainty.
According to sources quoted by Express.co.uk, Tess is beginning to feel anxious about the lack of immediate opportunities on the horizon. One insider explained:
“She’s hoping to focus on her brands, but brands need the TV shows to stay interested. Claudia will be absolutely fine as she’s the flavour of the month, but Tess is worried.”
The fear isn’t simply about staying in the limelight. In the fast-moving world of entertainment, continued visibility often equates to relevance. Without a prominent weekly role on television, maintaining brand deals and public engagement could become more challenging.
While Tess has a number of existing business ventures, including endorsements with L’Oréal, Wellwoman, and her own swimwear line Naia Beach, the concern is that without ongoing television work, these partnerships may not have the same strength or visibility.
How Do Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Post-Strictly Careers Compare?
As their final Strictly show approaches, the contrast between Tess Daly’s and Claudia Winkleman’s post-show schedules is becoming increasingly apparent. Claudia has a packed line-up of roles that will keep her firmly on our screens into 2026 and beyond.
She will continue to host the BAFTA-winning psychological competition The Traitors, as well as The Piano on Channel 4, both critically acclaimed and commercially successful shows.
Tess, on the other hand, is in a very different position. While she remains popular and widely respected, her schedule appears to be relatively empty. Although her beauty and lifestyle brand collaborations remain in place, these are heavily influenced by her public presence.
Without a weekly primetime TV appearance, Tess is said to be worried about being gradually pushed into the background of British entertainment.
The situation is best understood through the comparison below:
| Presenter | Confirmed TV Roles (Post-Strictly) | Ongoing Brand Deals | Career Outlook |
| Claudia Winkleman | The Traitors, The Piano | Multiple endorsements, continued projects | Strong and stable |
| Tess Daly | None confirmed | L’Oréal, Wellwoman, Naia Beach | Uncertain and anxious |
While Claudia moves into her next chapter with established roles, Tess faces a more ambiguous transition — one that may take longer to fully unfold.
Why Is Tess Daly Stepping Back From Television Work?
One significant reason for Tess Daly’s choice to reduce her TV workload is her desire to support her husband, Vernon Kay, as he takes on more responsibilities in his own presenting career.
According to industry sources, Vernon is preparing to front a new celebrity quiz show called Do You Know Your Place? on the BBC in 2026.
In light of this, Tess is believed to be stepping back to allow Vernon the flexibility and time required to pursue his own goals. It’s a decision that, while admirable from a family perspective, does come with career risks. A source close to Tess explained:
“She’s hoping to focus on her brands, but brands need the TV shows to stay interested… Claudia will be absolutely fine as she’s the flavour of the month, but Tess is worried.”
There’s also the emotional side of walking away from something so familiar. Hosting Strictly was not just a job, it was part of Tess’s identity for two decades. Leaving behind that routine and platform can be daunting, particularly when the future is not clearly mapped out.
What Is the BBC Planning for Tess and Claudia’s Replacements?
With Tess and Claudia’s departure looming, the BBC is reportedly undergoing a major presenter shake-up, the biggest the show has seen in years. However, as of mid-December 2025, no official replacements have been announced.
BBC insiders suggest that screen tests are being conducted to assess on-screen chemistry and audience appeal among a shortlist of potential candidates.
While rumours have surfaced about who might take over, including names like Rylan Clark, AJ Odudu, and Maya Jama, the broadcaster has remained tight-lipped.
Producers are said to be focused on maintaining the warmth and familiarity that Tess and Claudia brought to the show, while also injecting a fresh dynamic to reflect the next chapter of Strictly.
What Impact Will Tess Daly’s Departure Have on Strictly Come Dancing?
The impact of Tess Daly stepping down from Strictly will be deeply felt both by the production team and the audience. Her departure signifies more than just a personnel change.
It marks a generational shift in the programme’s identity. Tess has been with the show since its launch in 2004, standing alongside the legendary Bruce Forsyth in its early days, and later forming a much-loved partnership with Claudia.
Her presence added a sense of reliability and calm during live broadcasts, often managing the emotional farewells of eliminated contestants with genuine care and warmth. Her exit, paired with Claudia’s, closes the book on a significant era of Strictly Come Dancing history.
For fans, the upcoming series will feel different, and while change can bring renewal, it also carries the risk of alienating loyal viewers if not handled sensitively.
What Is Tess Daly’s Legacy After 20 Years on Strictly?
Tess Daly’s legacy is one built on professionalism, longevity, and unwavering dedication. She has hosted the show for two decades, longer than most prime-time hosts ever manage, and helped turn Strictly into one of the most cherished programmes in British TV history.
Her ability to connect with both the celebrities and the audience, her resilience in managing live TV, and her graceful presence every week all contributed to the success of the show.
While the future remains uncertain for her career-wise, there’s no denying the footprint she leaves behind on the Strictly dancefloor.
Even though she may no longer say “keep dancing” on our screens, Tess Daly’s role in shaping the magic of Strictly Come Dancing will never be forgotten.
FAQs About Tess Daly Leaving Strictly Come Dancing
When is Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s final Strictly show?
Their final live show is set for Saturday, 20th December 2025, marking the end of their long and beloved tenure on Strictly.
Why did Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman choose to leave together?
They made a pact to leave the show as a team. According to their statement, “We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.”
What’s next for Claudia Winkleman after Strictly?
Claudia has a busy schedule ahead, with high-profile roles in shows like The Traitors and The Piano already confirmed for 2026.
Why is Tess Daly concerned about her career post-Strictly?
Tess reportedly doesn’t have any major TV projects lined up and is concerned about maintaining her brand relevance without weekly television exposure.
Is Tess Daly retiring from television entirely?
No official retirement has been announced. Tess may still take on future roles, but her immediate focus seems to be on her brands and family life.
What show will Vernon Kay host next?
Vernon Kay is set to host a new BBC celebrity quiz show titled Do You Know Your Place? in 2026.
Who will replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly Come Dancing?
No official replacements have been confirmed, though names like Rylan Clark, AJ Odudu, and Maya Jama are rumoured contenders.
