Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to Leave Strictly

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced in an emotional Instagram video that they will leave Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the current series, saying "we were always going to leave together" and that "now feels like the right time." In a joint statement they thanked the BBC and the production team, called hosting "an absolute dream," and joked they will cry at the last "keep dancing" — perhaps from the sofa in tracksuit bottoms with pizza. Body language expert Judi James said the clip showed Tess as more emotional and Claudia as the confident, supportive presence, prompting speculation that Tess may have initiated the decision. Former Strictly professional Flavia Cacace told BBC Breakfast the duo "are the show," called them "amazing people" and said they will be difficult to replace. Despite past tabloid rumours about backstage friction, coverage and the presenters' own comments stress a close friendship and a joint choice to step down.