Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Step Away from Strictly Come Dancing

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have revealed their decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing following the current season, with their last appearance set for the Christmas special. In a joint message, they expressed, “Working together has been a joy, and hosting Strictly has truly been a dream come true.”

Their exit has prompted discussions about potential successors, including Roman Kemp, Hannah Waddingham, AJ Odudu, Stacey Dooley, Alan Carr, Holly Willoughby, and Alison Hammond. Producers may also look at hosts from the show's spin-off, Strictly Come Dancing: It Takes Two.

TV editor Caroline Frost remarked on Daly and Winkleman's status as “a formidable presenting duo” and hinted that the show might consider a rebranding rather than discontinuation, given its ongoing popularity. The BBC referred to their departure as “the end of an era” and commended them as “remarkable hosts.”

This Weekend on Strictly

The remaining 11 couples will showcase their skills in Icons Week, honoring music legends with hits from Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Ariana Grande, and more. Highlights are:

• Alex & Johannes – Performing Foxtrot to Here You Come Again (Dolly Parton)

• Amber & Nikita – Cha Cha Cha to Break Free (Ariana Grande)

• Balvinder & Julian – Quickstep to Texas Hold ‘Em (Beyoncé)

• George & Alexis – Jive to As It Was (Harry Styles)

Hollywood star Rachel Zegler is set to perform Don’t Cry for Me Argentina during Sunday’s results segment.

Meanwhile, Neighbours actor Stefan Dennis has withdrawn from the contest due to a calf injury. His partner, Dianne Buswell, will continue without a replacement, leaving three couples remaining in the running for the finale.

Fans will also see professional dancers pay homage to Britney Spears, and judges will don costumes as various icons. The typical dance-off will determine the bottom two couples.