It was a poignant evening for the pair
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly during their final moments on Strictly(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing fans have said that there’s ‘massive shoes to fill’ after Tess Daly and Claduia Winkleman had an emotional exit from the BBC dancing competition on Friday night.
It was a poignant evening for the pair, who announced they were leaving Strictly back in October in news that rocked the show’s fans. The first half of the final didn’t see either Tess nor Claudia make any big statement about it being their final episode.
However, this changed when Claudia was surprised in the Clauditorium by a number of stars wearing wigs resembling her iconic fringe. After this, Claudia joked with Tess, while wearing a fruit hat, that she thought they’d have to do a show dance.
Things took a big emotional turn when Anton De Beke and Craig Revel Horwood made Tess cry with their kind comments following the final performance of the evening, which fittingly came from Karen and Carlos.
“I can’t tell you how much, oh God I’m getting emotional. I have to say this, I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved spending the last 21 years with you,” Anton said.
Craig added: “I’m here to ruin the mood darling. I can think of a quote from Lord Byron that sums you up, ‘let joy be unconfined’. That’s what you bring to the dancefloor and you’re fabulous.
“I’ve just realised this is the judges last little thing with Tess. That’s replicated by all of us, we all deeply and dearly love you. We’re going to miss you like you would not believe.”
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly hosting Strictly for the last time(Image: BBC)
Failing to hold back her tears, Tess said in response: “I love you too judges, thank you for your kind words. It means the world.”
While the votes were being counted, Tess and Claudia were interrupted by Craig, who read out a candid letter from Queen Camilla. King Charles’ wife told the pair that they were ‘the greatest Strictly partnership of all’.
The final moments of the presenters’ Strictly era saw them reveal that footballer Karen Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu were this year’s winners. Karen and Carlos overcame both George Clarke and Alexis Warr, and Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin to lift the Glitterball.
“Thanks to you at home for watching. It has been such an honour and an absolute pleasure sharing this with you,” Tess said. Claudia noted: “All that’s left to do now is please keep dancing and celebrate our fantastic winners.”
Those watching the final at home rushed to X, previously known as Twitter, to commend Tess and Claudia for their final Strictly and to emphasise the importance of the BBC finding the correct replacements.
@johnrhueston said: “#Strictly will miss Tess and Claudia. They were a major part of the show throughout the years. A warm comfortable staple throughout the autumn and winter evenings. They’ve left the programme with big dance shoes to fill. #StrictlyComeDancing.” @CatherineNeary added: “A great final tonight on #Strictly and a wonderful show to say farewell to Tess & Claudia! #StrictlyComeDancing.”
@ChloeFaulkner95 wrote: “End of an era, Strictly won’t be the same without Tess and Claudia, true stars the both of them #Strictly.” @HayleyATFC posted: “Strictly won’t be the same without Tess and Claudia.”
@DawnGlen2 commented: “Had a thoroughly enjoyable blub at #Strictly Happy with the winner, and delighted Claudia and Tess got the love and attention they deserve. They will be so missed.” @hillbilly____ stated: “#StrictlyComeDancing #strictly Tess and Claudia are going to be a tough act to follow. Whoever takes on the role will need to be ready for some unfair comparison.”
Tess and Claudia will next be seen on Strictly Christmas special on Christmas Day. However, that installment was pre-recorded, meaning their Strictly journey has come to an end.
