Former contestant Helen Skelton was on Strictly in 2022. She said: “You look at Tess’ eyes when you finish a dance. On behalf of everyone who’s been on that dance floor, you look at Tess for reassurance – and Claudia for a laugh.
“It’s a real shame. They’ve served that show so well. It’s going to leave a massive hole. I can’t for one second think that was an easy decision. It’s become their identity.
“Tess has done the show for 21 years; it’s been her whole life. So, I think people will be sad when they go. Whoever steps into it next has big shoes to fill.”
Entertainment journalist Ellie Phillips posted on X: “Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have BOTH QUIT #Strictly – I’m genuinely stunned! WHO could possibly replace them?”
Fans also took to Reddit to share their disappointment, with one user posting: “I’m more sad about Claudia leaving because of her sharp wit and humour.”
Another agreed: “Definitely. Tess is a perfectly capable TV presenter, but it feels like there’s other presenters who could do the job. Claudia feels unique. You never know what’s going to happen next, but at the same time, she’s a perfectly safe pair of hands no matter the circumstances. She can surf the wave-front of chaos better than anyone else on TV.”
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have BOTH QUIT #Strictly – I’m genuinely stunned! WHO could possibly replace them??? 🪩
— Ellie Phillips 🎬 (@ElliePhillipsUK) October 23, 2025
There has also been some speculation about the timing of the announcement: “Why both and why announce halfway through the competition? I’ll miss them both.”
Another poster responded: “Having watched the video Claudia hints that it was about to be leaked so they got in first.”
There has also been lots of speculation about who will replace the duo.
“Oh no, this is like when Mel and Sue left the Bake Off,” said one fan. “Mel and Sue for Strictly.”
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Another suggested that they could promote Janette Manrara and Fleur East from It Takes Two, but others disagreed.
“Doubt either would be give the replacement of Tess and Claudia. In addition neither have hosted multiple hours of live primetime tv. Holly Willoughby has and Davina McCall – (I) could see them being the replacements.”
There were also some wildcards thrown in: “I don’t want it to be true but, for some reason I think Amanda Holden” and “My guess was AJ Odudu. She’s done the show before and hosts Big Brother so has experience in both.”
