Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are leaving Strictly Come Dancing after this season. The duo announced their departure on Instagram, stating, “we were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.” In a heartfelt video, they mentioned wanting their fans to hear the news directly from them.
They expressed their love for hosting the show, saying it has been a dream. “Working together has been amazing, and we are grateful to the brilliant team behind the show,” they shared. Their final episode will be the Christmas special, a moment they anticipate with mixed emotions.
This news follows a tumultuous period for Strictly, which has faced various challenges recently. The BBC, in response, praised Daly and Winkleman for their passion and dedication over the years. “It’s the end of an era,” said BBC Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips, emphasizing their significant role in the show.
Daly and Winkleman began hosting together in 2013 and have become beloved figures in UK television. Their presence on Saturday and Sunday nights has drawn millions of viewers each week, making Strictly the UK’s top entertainment show.
In recent history, the show faced scandals, including the departure of dancers due to misconduct allegations and an ongoing investigation concerning drug use among participants. These issues have added drama to the popular series.
As thoughts turn to who might take over for Daly and Winkleman, names like Janette Manrara, Fleur East, and Rylan Clark are already being floated as potential candidates. Strictly has been a mainstay on BBC since 2004, and its U.S. counterpart, Dancing with the Stars, has also been successful for two decades.
This transition marks a significant change, but it also opens the door for new talent to step in. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the show evolves in the future.
Source link
BBC,BBC Studios,Claudia Winkleman,Strictly Come Dancing,Tess Daly
