The glittering finale of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 was overshadowed by a profound sense of loss, transforming what should have been a celebration into an emotional gut punch. Despite former footballer Karen Carney deservedly lifting the Glitterball Trophy, the departure of iconic hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman cast a long shadow over the entire event, raising urgent questions about the future of the BBC's flagship entertainment show.
The End of an Era and a Glimmer of Hope
Throughout the night, presenters Daly and Winkleman fought to keep the focus on finalists Karen Carney, George and Amber Davies. Yet, the impact of their own exit was undeniable. Their unique, unlikely friendship and sparkling chemistry have been the beating heart of Strictly for a generation. The significance of their contribution was underscored by a personal letter from Queen Camilla, read aloud on air by judge Craig Revel Horwood, thanking the pair for their incredible service to British broadcasting.
With their departure, the future of the show's presentation is unclear. While Zoe Ball is considered a front-runner to step in, replacing such a beloved duo is seen by many as an impossible task. Any new hosts will face a lengthy period of winning over the show's devoted fanbase.
Craig Revel Horwood: The Last Man Standing
If this series highlighted one thing, it is that Craig Revel Horwood's importance to Strictly has never been greater. As the only person remaining from the very first episode in 2004 still in the same role, he is now the show's most consistent pillar. While fellow judges Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas and Anton Du Beke frequently awarded perfect scores, Craig maintained his trademark honesty. His scoring brought a crucial credibility to the final, where only one performance—ironically, Karen Carney's frantic showdance—would have missed a perfect 40 without his input.
His emotional response, alongside Anton Du Beke's, to Tess Daly's farewell was a poignant reminder of their shared history. Craig has evolved from the show's original pantomime villain, its answer to Simon Cowell, into a more human but no less truthful figure. In a finale awash with sentiment, he was the judge who refused to be swept away, offering the three finalists constructive truth after the most important dances of their lives.
A New Chapter Demands a Familiar Face
The show now faces its biggest transformation in over two decades. Strictly must navigate the loss of its iconic hosts while maintaining its status as a national institution. In this period of upheaval, Craig Revel Horwood's familiarity and consistency will be invaluable. He represents a tangible link to the show's past as it sails into uncharted waters with a new presenting team.
While finding a successor to Tess and Claudia is a daunting challenge, finding another Craig is deemed impossible. No one else can balance his unique blend of theatrical critique, genuine constructive feedback, and fabulous flair. He is, in essence, irreplaceable. Should he also depart, the show would risk becoming almost unrecognisable to its legion of fans.
For now, as Strictly Come Dancing prepares to reinvent itself, Craig Revel Horwood stands as its vital anchor—the captain steadying the ship through a storm of change, and arguably more central to its future success than ever before.
