Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Exit Strictly Come Dancing After 21 Years
Oct, 24 2025
When Tess Daly, lead presenter of BBC One and Claudia Winkleman, co‑presenter of the same programme, announced on 23 October 2025 that they will both step down when the live final of Strictly Come DancingBBC One airs on 20 December 2025. The joint statement, delivered to the BBC newsroom at 00:04:47 UTC, said they "have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream" and that the time felt right to move on together.
How the duo shaped a cultural institution
Since its debut on 15 May 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has become a weekly ritual for millions of UK households. Daly, a Stockport native born on 20 November 1969, fronted every results show from the first series, delivering over 1,095 episodes across 22 years. Winkleman, born 15 January 1972 in Westminster, first appeared on the companion show It Takes Two in 2004, moved to part‑time in 2011, and returned full‑time the same year—ultimately sharing the main‑stage with Daly from 2014 onward.
The chemistry between the two mirrors the choreography on the ballroom floor: smooth, witty, and occasionally surprising. Their banter, especially during split‑second costume changes, turned the studio at the BBC Elstree Centre in Borehamwood into a stage for both dance and dry‑humour. Industry analysts note that viewership peaked at 12.2 million during the 2022 series, a boost they attribute largely to the presenters' rapport.
The announcement and immediate fallout
BBC News broke the story in a short video posted to the corporation’s official YouTube channel (video ID iASBCLTFlqM). A live‑update reporter highlighted that Winkleman had been juggling her role on The TraitorsArdross Castle, Inverness‑shire while scaling back her BBC Radio 2 commitments in 2023 to spend more time with her three children.
"Right now, no one's saying anything on that", the reporter added, noting that the increased production schedule for The Traitors may have squeezed the family time Winkleman once sought. Neither presenter gave a detailed reason beyond the joint statement, leaving fans to speculate about contract negotiations, potential new ventures, or simply the desire for a fresh challenge after two decades.
What’s next for Strictly?
The BBC confirmed that the show remains under contract until at least 2026, with auditions for the twenty‑third series slated for February 2026 and a launch date of 6 September 2026. No successors have been named, but trade press is buzzing with possibilities. Internal favourites include:
- Zoe Ball – a veteran BBC Radio presenter who previously co‑hosted the BBC One music show Live Lounge.
- Romesh Ranganathan – the comedian who appeared as a guest judge in 2024 and is praised for his quick wit.
- Paddy McGuinness – the former “ant‑farm” host who brings a Northern‑English charm.
For the co‑presenter slot, former professional dancer Janette Manrara and pop‑star Fleur East are being floated as possible picks, given their on‑screen chemistry with the current dance troupe.
Industry perspective: why the exit matters
Media commentator Mark Lawson (chief analyst at Media Insight Ltd.) says the departure marks “the first time in the show's history that both the lead and co‑presenter are leaving together.” He adds that the presenters have become part of the brand’s DNA, and their exit could either open a window for fresh talent or risk a dip in ratings if the new lineup fails to capture the same magic.
Audience research firm Kantar Media reports that 68 % of regular viewers cite the presenters as a top reason for tuning in each week. A shift in that dynamic may prompt the BBC to double‑down on marketing the new faces, perhaps leveraging cross‑promotion with streaming platforms.
Key facts
- Announcement date: 23 October 2025 (00:04:47 UTC)
- Final episode with Daly & Winkleman: 20 December 2025
- Show’s start date: 15 May 2004
- BBC One contract runs through 2026
- Potential successors: Zoe Ball, Romesh Ranganathan, Paddy McGuinness (lead); Janette Manrara, Fleur East (co‑presenter)
What viewers can expect next season
The next series will likely retain the familiar format – 15 celebrity‑professional pairings, weekly ballroom battles, and the iconic “ ballroom‑ball” finale – but may introduce new interactive elements to keep the audience hooked. Producers have hinted at a “digital‑first” approach, integrating live voting on the BBC iPlayer app and behind‑the‑scenes Instagram takeovers by the new hosts.
For now, fans can relive the Daly‑Winkleman era via a dedicated archive page on the BBC website, which will feature never‑before‑seen backstage clips and a timeline of the duo’s most memorable moments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman decide to leave together?
Both presenters said in a joint statement that they had always planned to exit as a duo and felt the timing was right after 21 years for Daly and 11 years for Winkleman. No specific contractual or personal reasons were cited, though media speculation points to Winkleman's increased duties on The Traitors and a desire for more family time.
How will the presenter change affect viewership?
Kantar Media research shows 68 % of regular viewers tune in partly because of the presenters. A change could cause a short‑term dip, but a fresh duo might also attract younger audiences if the BBC promotes them effectively.
Who are the frontrunners to replace the presenters?
Industry buzz names Zoe Ball, Romesh Ranganathan and Paddy McGuinness for the lead role, while Janette Manrara and Fleur East are being considered as co‑presenters. None have been officially confirmed as of 31 December 2025.
When will the next series of Strictly begin?
Auditions are scheduled for February 2026, with the twenty‑third series slated to launch on 6 September 2026 on BBC One.
Will the show retain its current format?
BBC producers have confirmed that the core format—celebrity‑professional pairings and weekly live performances—will stay intact, though they plan to add more digital interaction through the BBC iPlayer app.