Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were left visibly overwhelmed during tonight’s Strictly Come Dancing final when they discovered Queen Camilla had penned a personal tribute to mark their departure from the BBC show.
The presenting duo audibly gasped upon learning the identity of the message’s author, struggling to contain their emotions as the heartfelt words were shared with the studio audience.
Ms Daly expressed her gratitude following the royal acknowledgement, stating: “Thank you so much for your lovely words, from the bottom of the hearts it means so much to us.
“We have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It has been a privilege to be a part of your weekends.”
The Queen’s solo statement represents a rare personal intervention to commemorate a significant television moment.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood, who has been part of the programme since its 2004 debut, was tasked with delivering the Queen’s message to the departing hosts during the live broadcast.
The tribute arrived just moments before the series winner was announced, catching both presenters completely off guard.
Her Majesty, a devoted follower of the ballroom competition who reportedly enjoys dancing herself, chose to personally compose the farewell letter rather than issue it through official royal channels.
The message was subsequently published on social media, allowing the millions of viewers who tune in weekly to share in the moment.
Queen Camilla’s decision to write directly to the presenting pair underscores the cultural significance of their two-decade contribution to Saturday night television.
In her letter, the Queen described the pair’s on-screen partnership as potentially “the greatest Strictly partnership of all.”
She went on to praise the warmth, compassion and happiness they had brought to viewers over the years.
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BBC Strictly: An emotional Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly bid farewell to the show
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“I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour,” Her Majesty wrote.
She concluded by urging the departing hosts to “keeeeeeeep dancing,” signing off “with warmest gratitude and admiration.”
The Queen’s message acknowledged that the duo’s chemistry had been central to the programme’s enduring popularity, telling them: “I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous.”
Ms Daly has fronted the flagship BBC programme since its inception 21 years ago, initially alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Ms Winkleman transitioned from hosting spin-off show It Takes Two to become co-presenter in 2014.
BBC Strictly: Queen Camilla issued a letter honouring the two presenters
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PAThe pair announced their joint departure earlier this year, revealing they had always planned to leave together and felt the timing was right.
The Strictly final also featured another royal contribution, with the Duchess of Edinburgh appearing to support contestant Ellie Goldstein, who returned for a group performance.
Sophie praised the model, noting: “I’m Patron of MENCAP and Ellie is one of our amazing supporters. She has dispelled quite a number of perceptions of people with learning disabilities.”
