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The Glitterball's New Dawn

The End of the Daly-Winkleman Era on British Television

Saturday, 25 October 2025 19:33

Abstract

The unexpected announcement of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departure from the BBC's flagship entertainment programme, Strictly Come Dancing, marks a significant inflection point for the long-running series. The presenting duo confirmed their exit at the conclusion of the current season, prompting immediate speculation about the future direction of the show and the identity of their successors. Their combined tenure represents a foundational period in the show's history, establishing a unique, all-female partnership at the heart of primetime Saturday night broadcasting.

Historical Context

Recent Findings

The Ballroom's Shockwave

The news of the hosts' exit arrived abruptly on Thursday, 23 October 2025, delivered via a joint statement and video shared across their social media platforms1,2,5,6,10,12,15,18,19,24. The presenters confirmed that the current series would be their last, with their final appearance scheduled for the Christmas Day special on 25 December 20251,5,15,18,19,23. In their joint message, the pair explained that they had always intended to leave together and felt that the timing was now appropriate to step aside1,3,5,6,12,14,15,18,24. The announcement sent a notable shockwave through the British television industry and the show's dedicated audience, coming mid-season without prior public indication1,2,8,10,14,24. The first live show following the revelation was 'Icons Week,' the fifth week of the competition, which aired on Saturday, 25 October 20254,5,11,13,20. Before the evening's routines commenced, the hosts addressed the audience directly, with Claudia Winkleman thanking viewers for the 'beautiful messages' they had received5. Tess Daly added that they still had a significant portion of the series remaining, including the crowning of a new champion5. The show itself proceeded with the remaining eleven couples performing routines inspired by music legends such as Beyoncé, Cher, and Harry Styles4,11,13,20. The professional dancers also paid tribute to pop icon Britney Spears in their group performance during the Sunday results show11,13,21.

Two Decades of Saturday Night

The departure of the duo signifies the end of a partnership that has defined the show for over a decade and the conclusion of one host's tenure that spans the entire history of the programme6,18,22. Tess Daly has been a fixture of *Strictly Come Dancing* since its launch in 2004, initially co-hosting with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth3,6,12,15,18,23. Claudia Winkleman's involvement also began in 2004, when she started presenting the weekday companion show, *It Takes Two*15,19,24. Winkleman later joined Daly to co-host the Sunday night results show in 201012,15,24. The current, iconic partnership was formally established in 2014 when Winkleman moved to the main Saturday night show following Sir Bruce Forsyth's decision to step down3,6,12,15,18,19,23. This transition created the first all-female presenting duo on a major primetime television programme in the UK, a milestone that Daly later described as feeling 'quite important'12. The pair have since co-hosted the main show for eleven years18,22. Daly reflected on her 21-year journey, describing the programme as 'more than just a television programme,' comparing it to a 'second family' and a 'huge part of my life'6,15. Winkleman, in her own statement, called her time on the show 'the greatest relationship of my career'15. The hosts were jointly recognised for their contributions to broadcasting in the King's Birthday Honours, where they were both made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)12.

The View from the Judging Panel

The news of the hosts' resignation was kept tightly under wraps, surprising even the show's longest-serving judge, Craig Revel Horwood1,2,8,10,14. Horwood revealed that he learned of the departure at the same time as the general public, receiving the news via a social media notification at 10 am on the day of the announcement1,8,10. The judge admitted he was 'shocked and surprised' and 'saddened' by the development, noting that he had worked with Daly since the show's inception in May 20041,2,8,10. He characterised the moment as 'the end of an era'1,2,10. Despite the emotional reaction, Horwood maintained a pragmatic view, stating that he 'celebrate[s] people moving on' and believes it is a 'good thing' for individuals to seek new challenges1,2,8,14. Other members of the *Strictly* family also expressed their dismay and gratitude1,5. Judge Motsi Mabuse commented that she was 'reeling from the news' and left 'speechless'1. Professional dancer Amy Dowden described the hosts as 'beautiful Strictly queens' and expressed that she was 'absolutely gutted' by the decision5. The BBC's Chief Content Officer, Kate Phillips, echoed the sentiment, calling the departure 'the end of an era' and praising the hosts' dedication and integral role in the show's success over two decades5,14.

The Succession Question

The immediate focus following the announcement shifted to the monumental task of finding a replacement duo capable of filling the void left by the established partnership16,24. The BBC has not yet confirmed any successors, but bookmakers and industry commentators quickly began circulating a list of potential candidates9,17. The challenge for the broadcaster is to select a pair who can maintain the show's unique blend of warmth, glamour, and light-hearted chaos22. Among the early favourites, according to bookmakers, are former *Strictly* champions Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton, who are priced at 2/1 to take over the hosting duties3. The couple, who won the series in 2018, are seen as a strong option due to their continued connection to the show and popularity with the audience3,7. Other prominent names in the running include current *It Takes Two* presenters Janette Manrara and Fleur East, with odds of 3/1 and 4/1 respectively, following the path Winkleman took from the spin-off show to the main stage3,7,9,17. Former *It Takes Two* host Zoe Ball is also a strong contender, with odds ranging from 2/1 to 4/1, given her extensive history with the franchise7,9,17. Outside the immediate *Strictly* family, Capital FM breakfast host Roman Kemp has been named as an early favourite by some bookmakers, with odds as low as 6/49,16. Other names frequently mentioned include Rylan Clark, Alex Jones, and former professional footballer Alex Scott3,9,16,17. The speculation surrounding the hosts' future careers also began immediately, with some reports suggesting that Claudia Winkleman may be looking to pursue opportunities in the United States, particularly following the success of her other hit show, *The Traitors*19,22. Tess Daly's husband, Vernon Kay, had previously spoken of his desire for a 'crack at America,' leading to speculation that Daly may also be considering a move across the Atlantic22.

Conclusion

The joint departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman represents a seismic shift for *Strictly Come Dancing*, a programme that has become a cornerstone of British weekend television6,24. Their partnership, which broke ground as an all-female duo in primetime, provided a consistent, reassuring presence that helped the show navigate the transition following the retirement of Sir Bruce Forsyth12,18. The hosts’ decision to leave together, after 21 and 11 years respectively, was a carefully managed exit, described by one PR specialist as a 'masterclass in the politics of timing'18,22. The BBC now faces the delicate task of selecting a new pairing that can honour the show's legacy while injecting a fresh dynamic to sustain its appeal for the next generation of viewers16. The choice of successors will not merely be a casting decision; it will be a strategic move that determines the cultural trajectory of one of the UK's most beloved television institutions16,24.

References

  1. Craig Revel Horwood 'saddened' as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit BBC Strictly Come Dancing

    Supports details on Craig Revel Horwood's reaction (shocked, saddened, end of an era), the announcement date (23 October 2025), and the hosts' joint statement about leaving together.

  2. Craig Revel Horwood reacts to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's Strictly exit: 'It's a good thing'

    Confirms Craig Revel Horwood's reaction, including finding out on social media and his comment that it is a 'good thing' for people to move on.

  3. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly Strictly replacement odds

    Provides bookmakers' odds and names for potential replacements, including Stacey Dooley/Kevin Clifton (2/1), Rylan Clark (7/4), GK Barry, Alex Jones, and Fleur East (5/2). Also confirms Tess's 21-year tenure and Claudia's 2014 co-hosting start.

  4. 'Strictly Come Dancing' 2025 Week 5 Icons Week songs and dances revealed

    Confirms that Week 5 of the 2025 series was 'Icons Week' and lists some of the music icons featured, such as Beyoncé and Cher.

  5. Strictly Come Dancing LIVE: Tess holds back tears as she addresses exit with Claudia

    Details the hosts' on-air message during the live show, including Claudia thanking fans for 'beautiful messages,' and confirms the final appearance will be the Christmas Day special. Also includes quotes from professional dancers like Amy Dowden.

  6. Strictly Come Dancing bombshell: Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announce exit from show after 21 years

    Confirms the 21-year tenure for Tess Daly, the 2014 start for the duo, and includes Daly's quote about the show being a 'huge part of my life' and like a 'second family'.

  7. Strictly Come Dancing: 17 Top Picks To Replace Tess Daly And Claudia Winkleman

    Lists potential replacements, including former *It Takes Two* host Zoe Ball, current host Janette Manrara, and former winner Stacey Dooley, providing context on their connection to the show.

  8. Watch: Strictly's Craig Revel Horwood reacts to Tess and Claudia's exit live on air

    Confirms Craig Revel Horwood was 'shocked, surprised' and found out via social media at 10 am, and his comment about celebrating people moving on.

  9. Strictly Come Dancing: Bookies reveal stars most likely to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly

    Provides specific bookmakers' odds for Zoe Ball (2-1, 4-1), Roman Kemp (6/4), Janette Manrara (3-1), Fleur East (4-1, 2-1), and Stacey Dooley (4-1).

  10. Craig Revel Horwood breaks silence on Tess and Claudia news live on Loose Women

    Reinforces Craig Revel Horwood's reaction (shocked, saddened) and the time he found out (10 o'clock this morning). Also includes details of the hosts' video announcement.

  11. Strictly Come Dancing takes on Britney Spears for icons week

    Confirms the professional dancers' group routine for Icons Week was a tribute to Britney Spears and lists other icons featured in the couples' dances, such as Harry Styles and Celine Dion.

  12. Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly leaving Strictly Come Dancing

    Supports the timeline of Winkleman joining the results show in 2010 and the main show in 2014, the hosts' joint statement, and Daly's quote about the significance of being the first all-female presenting duo. Also confirms their MBEs.

  13. Strictly Come Dancing stars unrecognisable as pop icon honoured in epic new pictures

    Confirms Icons Week featured tributes to music stars like Johnny Cash and Harry Styles, and that the professional dancers paid homage to Britney Spears.

  14. Craig Revel Horwood says 'it's a good thing' as Strictly hosts announce exit

    Supports Craig Revel Horwood's reaction (shocked, saddened, good thing to move on) and includes a quote from BBC's Kate Phillips calling the hosts 'integral to Strictly's success'.

  15. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman confirmed to leave Strictly Come Dancing

    Confirms the exit at the end of the current season, the joint statement, Daly's tenure since 2004, Winkleman's start on *It Takes Two* and her move to the main show, and Winkleman's quote about it being the 'greatest relationship of my career'.

  16. Who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly? Latest rumours, odds and predictions revealed

    Provides odds and names for replacements, including Roman Kemp (early favourite), Fleur East, Janette Manrara, and Alex Scott, and discusses the challenge of replacing the duo.

  17. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's replacements 'revealed' as they quit Strictly

    Lists odds for Zoe Ball (2-1), Janette Manrara (3-1), Fleur East (4-1), and Rylan Clark (5-1) as potential replacements.

  18. Why Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaving Strictly Come Dancing as final show date confirmed

    Confirms the announcement date (Thursday, 23 October), the final show date (Christmas Day special), Daly's 2004 start, Winkleman's 2014 start, and the 11 years they hosted together.

  19. Strictly Come Dancing's Claudia Winkleman's rarely seen husband and Hollywood future after show exit

    Confirms the final show is the Christmas Day special, Winkleman's start on *It Takes Two* in 2004, and includes speculation about her pursuing a career in America.

  20. Strictly Come Dancing: week five – live

    Confirms the live show on 25 October 2025 was Icons Week and the first since the announcement, featuring routines paying homage to Beyoncé and Cher.

  21. Strictly Come Dancing takes on Britney Spears for icons week

    Confirms the professional dancers' group dance for Icons Week was a tribute to Britney Spears.

  22. I work in PR and Tess Daly's future is different to Claudia Winkleman's for key reason

    Provides the hosts' ages (56 and 53), confirms the 11-year duo tenure, includes the PR specialist's quote about the announcement being a 'masterclass in the politics of timing,' and mentions speculation about Winkleman's US career and Vernon Kay's comments about America.

  23. Tess Daly - Wikipedia

    Confirms Tess Daly's tenure from 2004, her co-hosting with Bruce Forsyth until 2013, and with Winkleman since 2014, and the final show being the 2025 Christmas special.

  24. The real reason why Tess and Claudia are leaving Strictly Come Dancing (and it's a surprise)

    Confirms the shock nature of the announcement, the hosts' statement about the 'right time to step aside,' Daly's 21-year tenure, and Winkleman's start on *It Takes Two*.