The glitterball dimmed for an era on Saturday night as Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly presented their final live episode of Strictly Come Dancing. The BBC ballroom witnessed a profoundly emotional send-off, leaving both veteran hosts and the studio audience in tears.
A Royal Farewell and Standing Ovation
The 2025 series finale at Elstree Studios was charged with sentiment from the outset. Daly and Winkleman were greeted by a standing ovation from the audience, which included Daly's husband, Vernon Kay. The emotional peak arrived with a surprise tribute video, culminating in a personal letter from Queen Camilla, read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood. The heartfelt royal message, congratulating the duo on their stellar run, ensured there wasn't a dry eye in the house.
In a hilarious and touching show of solidarity, the entire cast and judging panel later donned black fringed wigs in a nod to Winkleman's iconic signature style. This series finale also saw Karen Carney crowned champion after a fiercely fought final against Amber Davies and George Clarke.
The End of a Legendary Partnership
The hosting duo shocked the nation when they announced earlier that the 2025 season would be their last in charge. While a pre-recorded Christmas Day special will serve as their official swansong, Saturday's live broadcast marked the true end of their regular tenure. Tess Daly, 56, has been with the show since its 2004 launch, initially co-hosting with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia Winkleman, 53, joined the franchise via the spin-off It Takes Two before ascending to co-host the main show in 2014.
In a joint video statement posted on social media, the pair reflected on their journey, noting they both joined when their children were small. Their caption 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.’
Accolades and Industry Praise
The BBC swiftly issued a statement heaping praise on the presenters. Kate Phillips, the BBC's Chief Content Officer, said: ‘I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but it’s the end of an era... They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond.’
The pair's contribution to broadcasting has been formally recognised with numerous honours. They secured the Bafta TV Award for Best Entertainment Programme in 2024 and were both appointed Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King's Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting.
Their final live show stands as a testament to a transformative partnership that defined Saturday night television for a generation of British viewers. The Strictly Come Dancing 2025 final is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
