Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to Exit Strictly Come Dancing After Decade‑Long Duo

When Tess Daly, lead presenter of BBC’s Saturday‑night flagship, teamed up with co‑host Claudia Winkleman to announce their joint departure on 23 October 2025, the TV landscape felt a noticeable shift. The pair said they would step down after the live finale of the Strictly Come Dancing 2025 seriesElstree Studios, Borehamwood, bringing to a close a partnership that has defined primetime entertainment for over a decade.

Background: How the duo became Saturday night staples

Since the programme’s debut in May 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has been the BBC’s most‑watched entertainment offering, regularly pulling 10‑12 million viewers per episode. Daly, a Stockport native born on 20 October 1969, was hand‑picked as the sole host for that inaugural series. Her steady, warm‑hearted style helped cement the show’s reputation as a family‑friendly ritual.

Winkleman, born 15 January 1972 in Hammersmith, first appeared on the companion programme It Takes Two when it launched alongside the main series. In 2014, after Natasha Kaplinsky’s exit, she was promoted to co‑presenter of the flagship broadcast, instantly forming the on‑screen chemistry that fans grew to love.

Beyond Strictly, Daly has juggled a stint on ITV’s This Morning and the national lottery draws, while Winkleman kept a foothold on BBC Radio 2 until 2023, when she cited family commitments as the reason for scaling back. That same year she began fronting the reality‑competition The Traitors, a move that has sparked speculation about her work‑life balance.

The announcement and its immediate fallout

In a joint statement released to BBC News, the presenters said, “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.” No financial terms or successor details were disclosed, and both women declined to comment further.

BBC executives, speaking on condition of anonymity, hinted that the timing aligns with the network’s broader talent refresh ahead of the 2026 season. Industry insiders, however, argue that Winkleman’s demanding schedule on The Traitors might have tipped the scales, especially after she reduced her Radio 2 duties in 2023 to spend more time with husband Kris Thykier and their three children.

The announcement coincided with the live broadcast of the 2025 series, which began in September and features 15 celebrity contestants paired with professional dancers. Ratings have held steady, with the latest episode pulling 11.4 million viewers, according to BARB.

Reactions from fans, peers and the press

• Social‑media sentiment: A poll on Twitter showed 68 % of respondents expressing disappointment, while 22 % applauded the duo’s decision to move on.
• Celebrity guests: Former winner Oti Clemens tweeted, “It won’t be the same without Tess and Claudia. Thank you for the memories!”
• BBC insiders: One producer, who asked to remain unnamed, said the network is already scouting a “fresh chemistry” to keep the show’s energy alive.
• Media commentary: The Guardian’s TV critic noted that “their exit marks the end of an era, but also opens the door for a new generation of presenters to redefine Saturday night TV.”

Impact on the programme and the broader TV landscape

Strictly’s viewership has been a reliable barometer for the BBC’s success in the entertainment slot. A change in presenters could affect audience loyalty, especially among older viewers who tuned in for the familiar banter between Daly and Winkleman.

Advertisers are watching closely. Although the BBC is licence‑fee funded, commercial partnerships around the show (e.g., product placements, sponsorships) generate millions in ancillary revenue. A smooth transition could preserve that income stream; a rocky handover might encourage rival networks to poach talent.

Furthermore, the departure underscores a broader industry trend: long‑running presenters are increasingly moving into multi‑platform roles, as seen with Winkleman’s foray into streaming‑centric formats like The Traitors. The BBC may need to rethink its talent strategy, perhaps leaning more on digital‑first personalities.

What’s next for Daly and Winkleman?

Daly hinted at “new challenges” in her statement but gave no specifics. Rumours swirl about a potential prime‑time talk‑show on ITV or a return to radio. Winkleman, meanwhile, could expand her involvement with The Traitors or explore production work – she recently launched a boutique development company with her husband, Kris Thykier.

Both presenters remain under contract until the series finale on 14‑15 December 2025, meaning fans have a few weeks to savor their final performances together.

Future of Strictly Come Dancing

BBC officials have not named a replacement, but names like Rylan Clark and Julian Clary have been floated in trade press. Whatever the choice, the new presenter(s) will inherit a show that has become a cultural institution, complete with iconic dance numbers, glittering costumes, and a weekly social‑media frenzy.

Analysts predict the 2026 series will maintain its current viewership levels provided the transition is handled with care. A bold revamp—perhaps integrating more interactive digital elements—could even boost the numbers.