Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman brought the curtain down on their celebrated Strictly Come Dancing partnership yesterday, hosting the BBC show’s Christmas special for the final time.
The beloved presenting duo, who revealed their departure in October, had co-hosted the flagship Saturday night programme for more than ten years.
Ms Winkleman was left visibly emotional during her final appearance the show after a surprise tribute from Strictly band leader Dave Arch.
During the Christmas special, Ms Winkleman opened a door to find Arch recreating the iconic Love Actually doorstep scene, holding up a series of cue cards addressed to the departing presenter.
Strictly band leader Dave Arch surprised Ms Winkleman with the sweet tribute
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BBC
The messages read: “Say it’s carol singers. Claud, because it’s Christmas, and it’s the last time I’ll see you, to me you are perfect. Even though you are orange, it’s always been you.”
The affectionate nod to Ms Winkleman’s trademark tan prompted laughter, but the presenter appeared close to tears as she took in the tribute, pausing to compose herself while smiling broadly.
Clearly moved, the 53-year-old responded with cue cards of her own, which simply read: “Rumba? Tess.”
The moment ended with Ms Winkleman sharing a warm embrace with co-host Tess Daly, marking a poignant farewell to one of the show’s most beloved figures.
The emotional tribute was based off the film Love Actually starring Hugh Grant and Emma Thompson
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BBC
Ms Daly, 56, first took on presenting duties 21 years ago alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Ms Winkleman, 53, stepped up as her co-host in 2014 after previously fronting the spin-off series It Takes Two from 2004.
Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and professional partner Vito Coppola were crowned champions of the Christmas special, taking home the festive trophy after their final performance of the evening.
The competition featured six celebrity contestants vying for the title across the ballroom floor.
All Saints vocalist Melanie Blatt performed alongside Kai Widdrington, while EastEnders actor Nicholas Bailey was partnered with Luba Mushtuk.
Claudia Winkleman and Strictly band leader Dave Arch embraced after the touching moment
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BBC
Comedian and podcaster Babatunde Aleshe danced with Nancy Xu, and Westlife singer Brian McFadden took to the floor with Michelle Tsiakkas.
Gladiator star Jodie Ounsley completed the line-up, performing with Neil Jones.
Ms Daly herself joined in the festivities, taking to the dance floor for an Argentine tango with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec during the special.
The presenting pair announced their joint exit in October, explaining they had “always going to leave together” and that “now feels like the right time”.
In their statement, they described hosting Strictly as “an absolute dream” and joked: “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.”
Both received MBEs from King Charles III earlier this year for their services to broadcasting.
During last Saturday’s main series final, Queen Camilla sent a special message read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood, praising their “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness” as central to the show’s success.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous,” the Queen wrote.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2025 | BBC
Attention has already turned to who might succeed the departing duo, with bookmakers installing Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball as the early favourite at odds of 2-1.
Ball previously hosted It Takes Two before Ms Winkleman moved to the main programme, giving her established connections to the Strictly franchise.
Current It Takes Two presenter Fleur East is also among the leading contenders being discussed.
Former professional dancer Janette Manrara, who now presents the spin-off show alongside East, has been mentioned as a potential candidate.
Past Strictly champion Stacey Dooley and television presenter Rylan Clark round out the names being floated as possible replacements for the long-standing hosting partnership.
The BBC has not yet confirmed who will take over presenting duties when the show returns.
