Will Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Say Goodbye to Strictly Forever?

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are set to make their final appearance on Strictly Come Dancing during the Christmas Day special, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter that has spanned over a decade. The duo will host this festive edition, showcasing six couples as they compete for the coveted glitterball trophy. Their departure marks a significant moment for the show, raising questions about potential replacements and the future of the beloved competition.

Last updated: 15 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are preparing for their last hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing, a show they have become synonymous with. The Christmas Special on BBC One, airing at 17:30, will feature six couples battling it out for festive glory. Their decision to step down, announced in October, has surprised fans and sparked a conversation about who might take over their roles, with names like Zoe Ball and Rylan being speculated upon. This transition occurs against the backdrop of a challenging period for the show, which has faced controversies and scrutiny in recent years.

Key takeaways

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will host their last episode of Strictly Come Dancing on Christmas Day.
The Christmas Special will feature six couples competing for the glitterball trophy.
Names such as Zoe Ball and Rylan are being considered as potential replacements.
The BBC's chief content officer described their departure as "the end of an era."
Strictly's future may involve changes due to recent controversies and viewer expectations.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey leading to this moment has been marked by significant milestones in the history of Strictly Come Dancing:

2004: Tess Daly begins her hosting journey with the show.
2014: Claudia Winkleman joins the presenting team, becoming a key figure alongside Daly.
October 2023: Daly and Winkleman announce their departure from Strictly after the current series.
Christmas Day 2023: The pair hosts their final episode during the Strictly Christmas Special.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As the final episode approaches, excitement builds around the Christmas Special, with a lineup of couples ready to entertain audiences. The show promises live music and festive cheer, which remains a tradition for the series.

What was already established

Daly and Winkleman's exit has been a topic of conversation since their announcement in October, highlighting the deep connection audiences have with the pair. The show's format and the nature of its presentations have evolved over the years, reflecting changing viewer tastes and cultural trends.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The departure of such beloved hosts may influence audience viewership, potentially affecting family traditions around Saturday night television. Strictly has become a cherished part of British culture, with families enjoying the show together. The Christmas Special aims to maintain this tradition, offering a nostalgic farewell to its iconic presenters.

Businesses and jobs

The show's production and associated segments, such as merchandise and promotional events, could see shifts in focus as new hosts are introduced. The competition remains a significant platform for talent, which may impact the careers of those involved, from dancers to choreographers.

Policy and regulation

In light of recent controversies, such as the investigation into alleged misconduct involving some dancers, the BBC may need to reassess its policies regarding celebrity participation and public conduct. This scrutiny could shape the show's future direction, particularly as it approaches its 20th anniversary in 2024.

Numbers that matter

21 years: Tess Daly's tenure with Strictly, starting from its inception in 2004.
10 years: Claudia Winkleman's time as co-host since joining in 2014.
£1 million: Amount raised during a 24-hour danceathon for Comic Relief in 2019.
6: Number of couples competing in the upcoming Christmas Special.
1: Unique golden glitterball trophy awarded to each host in recognition of their contributions.

Definitions and jargon buster

Strictly Come Dancing: A popular British television dance competition involving celebrities paired with professional dancers.
BBC: British Broadcasting Corporation, the UK's national broadcaster.
MBE: Member of the Order of the British Empire, an honour awarded for significant contributions to the arts and sciences.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Christmas Special approaches, viewers can expect a nostalgic celebration of Daly and Winkleman's time on the show. This episode will likely be a mix of heartfelt moments and festive cheer.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Christmas episode, the BBC will likely begin discussions about the future format of Strictly and potential new hosts. This period may involve viewer feedback and industry consultations to ascertain the best path forward.

Signals to watch

Audience ratings for the Christmas Special and subsequent episodes.
Announcements regarding new host selections and any changes in show format.
Public and media reactions to the ongoing controversies surrounding some participants.

Practical guidance

Do

Enjoy the Christmas Special with family, celebrating the legacy of Daly and Winkleman.
Engage with the show’s social media platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
Keep an eye on announcements regarding the future direction of the show.

Don’t

Assume the show's format will drastically change; it has a strong legacy to uphold.
Neglect to share your favourite moments from Daly and Winkleman's tenure on social media.
Overlook the potential impact of viewer feedback on the show's future.

Checklist

Watch the Strictly Christmas Special on 25 December at 17:30.
Reflect on your favourite moments from the show’s history.
Follow updates on the show's future and any casting news.
Consider how Strictly has impacted your family traditions.
Engage with the community of fans online.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing controversies and potential shifts in the show's format introduce uncertainties regarding viewer engagement and program stability. While the departure of Daly and Winkleman is significant, it also paves the way for new hosts to bring fresh perspectives. However, the lingering effects of past scandals could influence public perception and trust in the programme moving forward.

Bottom line

The end of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's era on Strictly Come Dancing heralds a poignant moment for fans and the BBC. As the Christmas Special approaches, the legacy of these hosts will be celebrated, while speculation about the show's future continues. The impact of their departure will undoubtedly shape the programme's direction as it moves into a new chapter.

FAQs

Why are Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving Strictly Come Dancing?

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing in October, stating that it felt like the right time to leave after hosting together for many years.

Who might replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly?

Speculation includes names like Zoe Ball, Rylan, and Holly Willoughby, among others, as potential candidates to take over the hosting duties on Strictly Come Dancing.

When is the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special airing?

The Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special will air on BBC One at 17:30 on Christmas Day, featuring six couples competing for the glitterball trophy.