Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bid farewell to Strictly Come Dancing
Last night marked the end of an era as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman hosted their final episode of Strictly Come Dancing, receiving a standing ovation as they descended the glittering staircases, reports BritPanorama.
While they had attempted to focus on the three finalists—Amber Davies, George Clarke, and Karen Carney—the emotional weight of their departure was palpable. Judge Anton du Beke’s heartfelt tribute, recalling his 25 years of collaboration with Tess, led to tears from many, including the hosts themselves.
For two decades, Tess and Claudia have been the charismatic faces of a programme that has become a cornerstone of British television. Their exit is significant, as they leave behind a legacy that will be challenging for future presenters to replicate.
Interestingly, they’ll return to helm the show one more time on Christmas Day, but for last night, it was their last engagement with the pressures of a live Saturday night format. They have always viewed themselves as facilitators for the contestants’ journeys, embodying the spirit of entertainment rather than seeking the spotlight themselves.
Despite speculation of a special dance routine to mark their farewell, the evening featured subtle nods to their tenure, such as Claudia’s jacket emblazoned with “keep dancing” and a montage celebrating their best moments throughout the series, which has been notably successful this year.
A particularly touching moment was when Craig Revel Horwood interrupted the proceedings to read a letter from a “super fan,” which turned out to be from Queen Camilla. In her note, the Queen praised their “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness,” recognising them as the “greatest Strictly partnership of all.”
The evening ultimately celebrated Karen Carney and her partner Carlos Gu, who were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing 2025. Karen’s transformation from a shy ex-footballer to a confident dancer was a highlight of the series, culminating in a stunning final performance.
Both Amber and George showcased their talents in the final, with Amber stepping in as a last-minute replacement and George exhibiting significant personal growth throughout the contest. Nonetheless, it was Karen’s remarkable improvement on the dance floor that secured her victory.
The emotional finale evoked a sense of nostalgia as Tess and Claudia held onto each other, reflecting on their experiences amid the celebrations of the new champion. Their understated farewell, marked by heartfelt emotions, underscored the significant loss of their departure from a show that has played a pivotal role in British entertainment.
