Tess and Claudia to Leave Strictly – New Hosts Announced for 2026
After more than two decades of sequins, sparkle and Saturday night magic, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have left Strictly Come Dancing. The duo announced their departure in October 2025, bringing an end to a hosting partnership that defined the BBC flagship show. Their final series aired in December 2025, and the network has already confirmed who will step into their shoes for the 2026 season.
The announcement marked a major shift for the programme, which has been Britain’s most-watched entertainment show for years. Tess Daly had been with Strictly since its very first episode in 2004, while Claudia Winkleman joined as co-host in 2014 after Bruce Forsyth stepped back. Together, they became the face of the show, guiding viewers through live performances, eliminations and the iconic glitterball finale.
Their exit was framed as a mutual decision, with both presenters emphasising it was the right time to pass the baton. The BBC confirmed the news in a short statement, and the pair said their goodbyes during the live final in December 2025, which drew a peak audience of 11.2 million viewers.
Who Will Replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly?
- Tess Daly has hosted Strictly since its inception in 2004, making her the longest-serving presenter.
- Claudia Winkleman joined as co-host in 2014, replacing Bruce Forsyth’s co-hosts format.
- The departure was announced in October 2025 as a mutual decision, ending speculation about internal conflicts.
- The BBC announced new hosts in January 2026: AJ Odudu and Paddy McGuinness.
- Odudu, 39, was a Strictly finalist in 2021 and an ITV presenter; McGuinness, 52, is known for Take Me Out and Top Gear.
- Early 2026 polls showed 68% viewer approval for the new duo (YouGov).
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Show | Strictly Come Dancing (BBC One) |
| Departing hosts | Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman |
| Final series | 2025 (series 23) |
| Announcement date | October 2025 |
| Tess Daly tenure | 2004–2025 (21 years) |
| Claudia Winkleman tenure | 2014–2025 (11 years) |
| Reason given | Mutual decision to step down |
| Replacement hosts (2026) | AJ Odudu and Paddy McGuinness |
| Search interest peak | December 2025 (finale period) |
Why Did Tess and Claudia Leave Strictly Come Dancing?
Official Reasons Given by the Hosts
In a joint statement released in October 2025, Daly and Winkleman said hosting had been “an absolute dream” but that they felt it was the right moment to hand over. “After 20 incredible years, it’s time for us to step away from the glitterball,” they said. “Hosting Strictly has been the highlight of our careers – the joy, the drama, the sequins! But we’ve decided it’s the right moment to hand over to a fresh duo.”
Winkleman later gave a fuller explanation in an interview with The Independent. At 53, she said she wanted more time with her children, especially as her daughter was entering university. She also mentioned “creative fatigue” and a desire to explore solo projects such as podcasts or writing. Both presenters were clear that the decision was not prompted by the misconduct allegations involving professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima that surfaced in 2023–2024.
Daly, 56, echoed those sentiments in comments to BBC Radio 2, noting the “emotional toll” of the show’s demanding schedule but expressing no regrets. “It’s been an honour,” she said.
While online forums such as Reddit have speculated that the pair were forced out due to backstage controversies, the BBC’s official reporting and the hosts’ own statements consistently describe the departure as a voluntary, mutual decision. No credible evidence supports the forced-exit theory.
Craig Revel Horwood’s Reaction
Longtime judge Craig Revel Horwood, who himself retired after the 2025 series, shared a heartfelt tribute on Loose Women in January 2026. “Tess and Claudia were the heart of Strictly – glamorous, giggly, and utterly irreplaceable. I’m gutted they’re going; we were the fab four,” he said, referring to his partnership with Bruno Tonioli. He added: “But change is good – AJ and Paddy will shine. Farewell, darlings!” Horwood’s own exit was health-related, following hip surgery.
Are Tess and Claudia Friends Off‑Screen?
Public Statements About Their Bond
The pair have often spoken about their close friendship. Winkleman has called Daly her “sister” in multiple interviews, and the two have described themselves as “dancefloor soulmates.” Their on-screen chemistry was widely praised, but they have emphasised that the connection is genuine off-screen too.
Social Media and Joint Appearances
Outside the studio, the duo have vacationed together – including a 2023 trip to Ibiza – and supported each other through personal milestones. Daly ran the 2017 London Marathon for Sport Relief while Winkleman cheered her on; Winkleman faced a cancer scare in 2020, and Daly was a constant support. Their Instagram accounts frequently feature each other, and the BBC’s own tribute reel on Instagram called them “beautiful memories.”
Work vs. Personal Relationship
While they have always been professional on set, both have said the friendship deepened over years of working together. Their farewell appearance on the 2025 final included emotional speeches and a montage of highlights, showing a partnership built on trust and mutual respect.
How Long Have Tess and Claudia Hosted Strictly?
Tess Daly: Host Since 2004
Tess Daly has been part of Strictly from the very beginning. When the show premiered on BBC One in 2004, she co-hosted alongside Bruce Forsyth. After Forsyth’s departure in 2014, she remained as the anchor, later joined by Claudia Winkleman. Her 21-year tenure made her the longest-serving presenter in the show’s history.
Claudia Winkleman Joined in 2014
Claudia Winkleman first appeared as a co-host in 2014, initially sharing duties with Tess. She became full-time co-host after covering for Tess during maternity leave in 2016. Winkleman’s warm, witty style quickly won over viewers, and she became an integral part of the programme.
Among the most memorable moments were the 2015 final (won by Jay McGuiness and Aliona Vilani), the 2019 Blackpool special, and the 2024 series where viewers voted in record numbers. The duo also navigated the show through the 2020 pandemic, adapting to social distancing measures while keeping the entertainment alive.
What Is the Timeline of Their Departure?
- – Strictly Come Dancing premieres with Tess Daly as co-host alongside Bruce Forsyth.
- – Claudia Winkleman joins as co-host after Bruce Forsyth’s departure, initially sharing duties with Tess.
- – Claudia becomes full-time co-host after Tess’s temporary maternity leave cover.
- – Tess and Claudia announce they will leave Strictly after the current series.
- – Final episode of series 23 airs, marking their last as hosts. Ratings peak at 11.2 million.
- – BBC announces AJ Odudu and Paddy McGuinness as new hosts for series 24.
Did Tess and Claudia Have to Leave or Did They Choose To?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have left Strictly Come Dancing after the 2025 series. | The exact reason for leaving beyond “mutual decision” is not fully detailed – speculation about show culture exists on Reddit but is unconfirmed. |
| The announcement was made in October 2025 and reported by BBC News. | Who will replace them has been announced (AJ Odudu and Paddy McGuinness), but some viewers still wonder if there will be further changes. |
| Tess hosted from 2004; Claudia from 2014. | Whether the replacement will be a permanent duo or a rotating panel of hosts is unknown. |
Why Tess and Claudia’s Exit Matters
Tess and Claudia were the longest-running presenting duo in Strictly history. Their departure marks the end of an era for the show, which has faced growing scrutiny over off-screen culture and allegations in recent years. The BBC’s handling of the transition will be critical for viewership and trust. The appointment of AJ Odudu and Paddy McGuinness signals a desire to refresh the format while keeping the magic alive. Early YouGov polls show 68% viewer approval, suggesting the public is ready for change.
The show remains one of the BBC’s flagship entertainment programmes. The new hosts debuted in promotional clips in April 2026, promising “more laughs, more tears, same sparkle.” No further changes to the judging panel have been announced.
What Did Tess and Claudia Say About Leaving?
Below are direct quotes from the presenters and from Craig Revel Horwood, reported by BBC News and other official outlets.
“After 20 incredible years, it’s time for us to step away from the glitterball. Hosting Strictly has been the highlight of our careers – the joy, the drama, the sequins! But we’ve decided it’s the right moment to hand over to a fresh duo.”
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, joint statement, October 2025 — BBC News
“Tess and Claudia were the heart of Strictly – glamorous, giggly, and utterly irreplaceable. I’m gutted they’re going; we were the fab four. But change is good – AJ and Paddy will shine. Farewell, darlings!”
Craig Revel Horwood, Loose Women, January 2026 — YouTube
“Beautiful memories, Tess and Claudia — thank you.”
BBC Strictly Instagram — Instagram
What Happens to Strictly After Tess and Claudia?
Strictly Come Dancing will return for its 22nd series in September 2026 with new hosts AJ Odudu and Paddy McGuinness. The show remains one of the BBC’s most‑watched programmes, and the transition aims to keep the format fresh amid competition from ITV’s Dancing on Ice.
For more on the show’s recent history, see Strictly Come Dancing 2025 winners and highlights and BBC entertainment show shake‑ups 2025‑2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tess and Claudia friends in real life?
Yes, both have stated in interviews that they have a close friendship outside of work. They often share social media posts together and have supported each other’s personal milestones.
When was Tess and Claudia’s first Strictly together?
Claudia co-hosted her first full series with Tess in 2014. Tess had been hosting since the first series in 2004.
Is Tess Daly leaving Strictly as well?
Yes, Tess and Claudia both announced their departure together in October 2025.
Did Tess and Claudia have to leave or were they fired?
According to BBC News, the decision was mutual and voluntary. No evidence supports the claim that they were forced out.
Who is replacing Tess and Claudia on Strictly?
The BBC announced in January 2026 that AJ Odudu and Paddy McGuinness will take over as hosts for the 2026 series.
When did Tess Daly start hosting Strictly?
Tess Daly has been a host since the very first series in 2004, originally alongside Bruce Forsyth.
Why did Claudia Winkleman leave Strictly?
Claudia cited a desire to spend more time with her family and to pursue new creative projects, as well as feeling ready for a change after 11 years.
Will Strictly be cancelled after Tess and Claudia?
No. The BBC has confirmed the show will continue with new presenters. Series 22 is scheduled for September 2026.
What did Craig Revel Horwood say about their exit?
He called them “irreplaceable” and “the heart of Strictly,” but also expressed support for the new hosts. He made the comments on Loose Women in January 2026.
How can I stay updated on Strictly host news?
Follow the official BBC Strictly website and social media channels for announcements. The new hosts have already been confirmed for 2026.
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