Speculation is rife over who will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly Come Dancing, after the presenting duo announced their decision to leave the show.
The presenting duo broke the news on Thursday as they shared a video statement to Daly’s Instagram feed confirming the news of their departure, and described their time on the show as “an absolute dream”.
Bookmakers are already sharing predictions about the contenders who might step into their sparkly shoes, with Radio 2 presenter and former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball named as the 2-1 favourite.
Other potential hosts include current It Takes Two hosts Fleur East and Janette Manrara, a former Strictly pro, as well as past winner Stacey Dooley and presenter Rylan Clark.
Daly, 56, has hosted the show for 21 years, while Winkleman, 53, joined as co-presenter on the main show in 2014, having previously hosted spin-off show It Takes Two for a decade.
The pair will not leave the show immediately and are set to appear on Saturday’s live show as normal. They will continue to host until the final episode of this season, and are also expected to helm the annual Christmas special.
Key points
- VIDEO: Watch Tess and Claudia announce that they're quitting Strictly
- Frontrunners for Tess and Claudia replacements named
- Tess Daly shares emotional statement about her time on the show
- Claudia Winkleman says it has been a 'privilege' working on Strictly
- COMMENT: Tess and Claudia’s Strictly exit is the latest shocker for a troubled show – but not the death knell
Have Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's Strictly replacements already been chosen?
12:55
,
Katie Rosseinsky
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman appeared to hint that she knows the identity of her and Tess Daly’s replacement, as she promised that the show’s new presenters will take the programme “to new heights”.
Daly, 56, has hosted the show for 21 years while Winkleman, 53, joined as co-presenter on the main programme in 2014, having previously hosted the Sunday night results show. They announced today (23 October) that they are stepping down after the end of the current series.
“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent,” Winkleman wrote in a statement announcing her departure.
She added: “I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.”
The BBC are yet to confirm who will take over Winkleman and Daly’s roles as hosts of the long-running show.
Lydia Spencer-Elliott reports:
Strictly 2025 contestant reveals how fellow competitors responded to news
12:25
,
Katie Rosseinsky
Strictly 2025 contestant Ross King has revealed how the current contestants’ WhatsApp group responded to news of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure.
King is an entertainment correspondent for ITV morning shows and was paired up with professional dancer Jowita Przystal in the current series. They became the second couple to leave the show earlier this month, after a Thunderbirds-themed Paso Doble failed to win over the judges.
Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine this morning, King told stand-in host (and past Strictly contestant) Ranvir Singh that he had initially been confused by his fellow competitors’ responses.
“I’m still on the WhatsApp group and then I thought, ‘why’s everyone saying, ‘Wow that’s fantastic?’” he said. “And then I realised that WTF doesn’t mean ‘Wow, that’s fantastic!’”
“So it really did come as a huge surprise to absolutely everyone.”
King noted that some commentators had questioned Winkleman and Daly’s decision to announce the news mid-season, but suggested that this meant that the pair could enjoy a “lovely build-up” towards their final show.
Former Strictly pro James Jordan gives verdict on show’s future
12:02
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Katie Rosseinsky
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional James Jordan has said the show will continue seamlessly after the exit of hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.
“It’s a juggernaut you could change everyone on the panel, the judges, the professional dancers, the show is such a strong format, no matter who you have on there, it will be great,” Jordan said of the programme’s future.
The 47-year-old, who was a Strictly pro from 2006 to 2013, however noted that Winkleman and Daly were the foundational “bricks and water” of the programme. “The show wouldn’t have been as successful without them,” he said, adding it was a “big statement” for the duo to leave together.
Jordan dismissed speculation that Winkleman and Daly opted to leave the show following past bullying scandals but told MailOnline that BBC bosses would now need to make “big changes” to the show.
“Some of the pro dancers need to go, there needs to be more fresh blood in the professionals now,” Jordan said.
“I’m not naming names because that's unfair but some pros on the show are weak, you need to know when to hang up your shoes to be honest with you.”
Lydia Spencer-Elliott reports:
How Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman blazed a trail for women on TV
11:40
,
Katie Rosseinsky
When Claudia Winkleman joined Tess Daly to host Strictly Come Dancing in 2014, the pair made history as primetime TV’s first female presenting duo.
Winkleman had hosted spin-off show It Takes Two for a decade before getting the call up to the main programme, following the departure of legendary host Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Since then, they have steered the BBC show through 11 years of celebrity contestants, countless dazzling routines and a fair few controversies.
Daly has been part of the show since its launch in 2004, working alongside Forsyth.
Speaking after being made an MBE earlier this year, Daly said that being part of “the first all-female presenting duo on primetime telly” meant a lot to her “as a mother of girls, to sort of pave the way”.
Ex Strictly pro weighs in on Tess and Claudia’s departure
11:20
,
Katie Rosseinsky
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Flavia Cacace has opened up about her experiences working with Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, noting that it will be “difficult” to replace the duo.
Cacace, who appeared on the BBC show between 2006 and 2012, winning the Glitterball trophy in her final year when she was paired up with gymnast Louis Smith, hailed the pair’s “amazing” sense of humour during an appearance on BBC Breakfast on Friday morning.
“They are genuinely amazing people and great at what they do, and it’s going to be difficult to replace them,” she said.
She added that “change is inevitable”, telling the show: “I left the year that Bruce [Forsyth] left, and I remember the feeling that you don't know what's going to happen because they are such an integral part of the show.
“And in the same way that Bruce was the show, I think Tess and Claudia are the show now.
“So it is a big change, and change always brings uncertainty.”
Tess and Claudia have given Strictly the latest shock exit for a troubled show – but it’s not the death knell
10:50
,
Greg Evans
The beloved presenting duo are leaving the ‘Strictly’ ballroom when the current season ends. Katie Rosseinsky looks at what their departure means for a show that’s been beset by troubles in recent years.
Read more here.
10:25
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Katie Rosseinsky
Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has admitted she was “shocked” by the “totally unexpected” news of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure.
The panellist, who joined the show in 2019, joked that she “never hear[s] the rumblings” about colleagues’ departures, and admitted that she “really needed a moment to let it sink in”.
Mabuse, who is the older sister of former Strictly pro and two-time show winner Oti Mabuse, said that Winkleman and Daly’s joint departure “feels like a very special era coming to a close” in a post on Instagram.
The star shared a series of photos of Winkleman, Daly and their co-stars taken during their stint on the show, and praised the pair for leading “with so much warmth, humour, grace and strength”.
“Two amazing women at the heart of one of the biggest shows on television,” she added. “That’s really rare and truly it’s powerful.”
She singled out the duo’s work on the show during the coronavirus pandemic as “truly special”, writing: “The way you held the show, kept the joy alive, and gave people hope in such uncertain times was incredible.”
When is Tess and Claudia's final Strictly appearance?
10:00
,
Greg Evans
The shock news that Daly and Winkleman are leaving Strictly after more than a decade has naturally got people wondering when their final episode will be.
Although the finale of the current season will air on 20 December, the duo’s last episode will actually be the Christmas special, which will air on 25 December.
Strictly judge Anton Du Beke calls Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s exit ‘the saddest news’
09:30
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Greg Evans
Anton Du Beke has dubbed Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s exit from the programme “the saddest news”.
“Tess, I remember back in 2004 in a London hotel introducing this wonderful new show Strictly Come Dancing to the world. You’ve been a torch bearer from the beginning.”
He continued: “But more importantly for those 20 years, you’ve been a wonderful friend and colleague. I’m going to miss you dearly on a Saturday night.
“Hand in hand with the fabulous Claudia, taking over from my hero Brucie, together you have elevated the show to unprecedented levels as the most magnificent presenting duo!”
Du Beke said he’d miss Daly and Winkleman “terribly” but said he was sure they’d both be a “huge success” in whatever they chose to do after the BBC dance competition.
Lydia Spencer-Elliot reports:
It Takes Two addresses Daly and Winkleman exit
09:00
,
Greg Evans
It Takes Two host Janette Manrara addressed Daly and Winkleman’s upcoming departure on Thursday night's show.
The host said: “Ladies, we are going to miss you both so much. But luckily we still have them for what promises to be a brilliant 2025 series and the Christmas show!"
Bookies reveal stars most likely to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
08:00
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Greg Evans
Zoe Ball, Fleur East, Janette Manrara, Rylan Clark and Stacey Dooley are among the favourites to replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as Strictly hosts. Here are all the odds from bookmakers:
Craig Revel Horwood reacts to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's Strictly exit
07:00
,
Athena Stavrou
Full story: Tess and Claudia quit Strictly
06:30
,
Athena Stavrou
Claudia Winkleman appears to hint that Strictly replacements have already been decided
05:30
,
Athena Stavrou
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman appeared to hint that she knows the identity of her and Tess Daly’s replacement, as she promised that the show’s new presenters will take the programme “to new heights”.
Daly, 56, has hosted the show for 21 years while Winkleman, 53, joined as co-presenter on the main programme in 2014, having previously hosted the Sunday night results show. They announced today (23 October) that they are stepping down after the end of the current series.
“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent,” Winkleman wrote in a statement announcing her departure.
She added: “I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.”
The stars most likely to replace Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly
04:30
,
Athena Stavrou
Traitors star reacts to Winkleman's exit
03:30
,
Athena Stavrou
FormerTraitors star Diane Carson has spoken out over the news Claudia Winkleman - who also hosts The Traitors on BBC.
“No way. Claudia’s so good at whatever she does and she’s so now invested in The Traitors,” she told BBC Radio Cumbria.
"Wow, God I hope she never leaves Traitors.
“People always say to me, 'is she as she seems?' Well yes she is. She is passionate about the game, she is invested in all the players and she is very funny.
“And of course her costumes have got more and more bizarre - which is fantastic.”
Watch: Oti Mabuse cries as says Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman exit is 'end of an era'
02:30
,
Athena Stavrou
BBC bosses respond to Tess and Claudia's departure
01:25
,
Athena Stavrou
Kate Phillips, chief content officer for the BBC, described the announcement as the “end of an era”, with the co-hosts being “integral” to the show’s success.
She said: “They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond. They’ve been integral to Strictly’s success over the last 20 years, but I understand why they’ve decided it’s time to hang up the glitter ball and get their weekends back.”
Suzy Lamb, managing director of entertainment at BBC Studios, added: “Tess brought elegance, poise, and a genuine love for the show that never waned from the very start. And with Claudia’s charm and razor-sharp wit joining us from It Takes Two in 2014, it cemented a partnership that has kept our audience captivated ever since.
“Tess and Claudia are much more than presenters to us, they are part of the Strictly production family – and whilst we’ll miss them dearly, we wish them nothing but the best.”
The show’s executive producer, Sarah James, labelled the pair as the “matriarchs” of the Strictly family, adding they are the “best duo of presenters” in the business.
She said: “They have championed countless celebrities on the dancefloor, led us all through two series during the pandemic, but more importantly they have a deep and genuine bond with the show and every single member of the team.
“We have been together and supported each other for a long time – through pregnancies, births and deaths – and to say we will all miss them terribly is an understatement.”
When will the pair's last show be?
Friday 24 October 2025 00:23
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Athena Stavrou
The pair’s last appearance together on the show will be its Christmas special, which will air on December 25.
Tess Daly, 56, presented the series since it first launched in 2004 alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Winkleman, 53, fronted its weekday companion show, It Takes Two.
Claudia Winkleman eventually moved on to host the Sunday night results show alongside Daly and joined the main show every Saturday from 2014, after Sir Bruce stepped down.
The pair picked up the entertainment programme gong at the Bafta TV Awards in 2024 and were made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for their services to broadcasting.
All the scandals that have threatened show’s future:
Thursday 23 October 2025 23:30
,
Athena Stavrou
For all the cheerful smiles and dazzling routines, Strictly Come Dancing’s wholesome brand has been threatened by a string of allegations associated with the show in recent years.
While Strictly’s image had largely remained untarnished since it began in 2005, the 2023 season ushered in an unprecedented wave of scandals that have shaped the show for good. Find out about all of the controversies the series has faced, below:
I’ve loved Strictly – but if Claudia’s out, so am I
Thursday 23 October 2025 22:35
,
Athena Stavrou
You need a treasure to replace a national treasure, says Kat Brown, and the scandal-ridden show now has a Winkleman-sized hole in its roster that few could fill. Is it time to say goodbye to ‘Strictly’?
Watch: Strictly confirm details of Tess and Claudia’s final show after presenters’ shock departure
Thursday 23 October 2025 22:00
,
Athena Stavrou
Claudia Winkleman appears to hint that Strictly replacements have already been decided
Thursday 23 October 2025 21:38
,
Athena Stavrou
Strictly Come Dancing host Claudia Winkleman appeared to hint that she knows the identity of her and Tess Daly’s replacement, as she promised that the show’s new presenters will take the programme “to new heights”.
Daly, 56, has hosted the show for 21 years while Winkleman, 53, joined as co-presenter on the main programme in 2014, having previously hosted the Sunday night results show. They announced today (23 October) that they are stepping down after the end of the current series.
“I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent,” Winkleman wrote in a statement announcing her departure.
She added: “I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.”
ICYMI: Tess Daly makes Instagram statement about time on show
Thursday 23 October 2025 21:00
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Athena Stavrou
In a separate statement, Daly said it was “hard to put into words” what the show had meant to her over the years.
“Strictly has been more than just a television programme,” she said. “It’s like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.
“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together... I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”
Strictly stars react to ‘heartbreaking’ news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman quit show
Thursday 23 October 2025 20:30
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Athena Stavrou
Strictly stars have reacted with shock and sadness to the news Tess and Claudia are stepping down from Strictly duties.
Oti Mabuse, who served as a professional dancer on the show, said it was the “end of an era” as she made a tearful appearance on Loose Women, admitting the news “breaks her heart” while wishing the pair luck.
Meanwhile, the dancer’s older sister Motsi, a judge on the show, said she said she was “reeling” from the news, adding the pair’s absence would be “deeply felt” on the programme.
Who could replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Strictly?
Thursday 23 October 2025 20:00
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Full story: Tess and Claudia quit Strictly
Thursday 23 October 2025 19:30
,
Athena Stavrou
Watch: Tess Daly speaks of new opportunities week before announcing Strictly exit
Thursday 23 October 2025 19:00
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Janette Manrara addresses Claudia and Tess's 'Strictly' exit on 'It Takes Two'
Thursday 23 October 2025 18:39
,
Ellie Muir
Janette Manrara briefly addressed the news during tonight’s instalment of Strictly’s bumper show It Takes Two, saying: “Ladies, we are going to miss you both so much.”
“But luckily, we still have them for what promises to be a brilliant 2025 series and the Christmas show.”
Janette is predicted to be in the running for a spot on the main show next year. Claudia presented It Takes Two from 2004, before joining Tess on the dance floor in 2014.
Recap: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leave Strictly
Thursday 23 October 2025 18:11
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Athena Stavrou
The showbiz world has been rocked by the news of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing today.
Tess and Claudia announced the news in a post on Instagram before making separate statements themselves - followed by a flood of reaction from stars and fans alike.
If you’re just joining us now, here’s everything we know so far:
• Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have announced they are leaving the BBC dance programme in a joint video statement posted to Instagram on Thursday morning.
• Tess and Claudia will host the rest of the season, with their time on the show culminating on Christmas Day.
• Other Strictly stars such as Oti Mabuse and Craig Revel Horwood said they were taken aback by the news, which they did not know ahead of the announcement.
• Fans have said they are “devastated” by the exit, with bookies suggesting replacements from Alison Hammond to Alan Carr.
• It is unknown who will replace Tess and Claudia in the big job. In a statement, the BBC said “plans” for the show in 2026 would be announced “in due course”.
Tess Daly admits she kept pregnancy secret from Strictly bosses
Thursday 23 October 2025 18:00
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Nicole Wootton-Cane
Tess Daly has revealed she kept her pregnancy a secret when she was first hired for Strictly.
Appearing on Giovanna Fletcher’s Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast last week, the host said that she initially decided not to tell BBC bosses back in 2004 that she was expecting her first child.
Ian Waite pitches himself and Zoe Ball as next co-hosts
Thursday 23 October 2025 17:44
,
Athena Stavrou
Former Strictly professional Ian Waite said an “iconic” replacement for Tess Daly and Claudia Winklemandia would be himself and former It Takes Two co-host Zoe Ball.
The 54-year-old told the show Jeremy, Storm And Vanessa On 5: “I think it’s a shock for everybody. It’s certainly a shock for me this morning when I heard it.”
He added: “I think maybe the presenters realise that it is time for new blood, a change in Strictly, somehow.
“You know, it’s been said for quite a few years that it needs shaking up. So maybe this is the thing, the ideal thing to happen.”
Asked about recent controversies, including allegations about the behaviour of the show’s professional dancers, he said: “From the very word ‘go’ in the first season, it’s had, always, lots of dramas and lots of press, so many things have been happening.
“I don’t think it’s going anytime soon. I think that it’s a national institution… It’s just so big… 21 years later, and it’s still one of the biggest shows on TV.”
Watch: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to leave Strictly Come Dancing at end of series
Thursday 23 October 2025 17:30
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Strictly stars say ‘it will not be the same’ after Daly and Winkleman leave show
Thursday 23 October 2025 17:26
,
Athena Stavrou
Stars of Strictly Come Dancing have said the show “will not be the same” following the announcement of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s departure.
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood, dancers Michelle Tsiakkas and Nancy Xu, and former competitors Tasha Ghouri and Angela Scanlon were among those who said the show will not be the same when the presenting duo leave.
It Takes Two co-host Fleur East said it was the “end of an era” with dancer Katya Jones saying this is the “saddest news.”
Professional dancer Tsiakkas told Winkleman “it won’t be the same without you” and dancer Xu added: “It wouldn’t be the same without both of you! Gonna miss you both so very much.”
It Takes Two to air shortly
Thursday 23 October 2025 17:12
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Athena Stavrou
Strictly spin-off show It Takes Two is set to air as usual tonight at 6:30pm.
The show, which was previously co-hosted by Claudia Winkleman, promises to dish up all the backstage gossip and behind-the-scenes action from the series.
Tonight’s episode comes hours after Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced their departure as co-hosts of Strictly.
It is not known whether it will be discussed on the spin-off show.
In its description on BBC iPlayer, it says the episode will feature costume designer Vicky Gill giving an exclusive look at what the couples are wearing at the weekend.
Traitors star reacts to Winkleman's exit
Thursday 23 October 2025 17:00
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
FormerTraitors star Diane Carson has spoken out over the news Claudia Winkleman - who also hosts The Traitors on BBC.
“No way. Claudia’s so good at whatever she does and she’s so now invested in The Traitors,” she told BBC Radio Cumbria.
"Wow, God I hope she never leaves Traitors.
“People always say to me, 'is she as she seems?' Well yes she is. She is passionate about the game, she is invested in all the players and she is very funny.
“And of course her costumes have got more and more bizarre - which is fantastic.”
The huge honour Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman received this year
Thursday 23 October 2025 16:45
,
Nicole Wootton-Cane
Just months before announcing their departure from Strictly, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman became Members of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours.
The pair were given the award for services to broadcasting. Winkleman previously said she was “incredibly grateful