The presenters have fronted the show for many years and revealed in October that this series was going to be their last.
While they will appear in a pre-recorded Christmas special, tonight’s final was the last live show the duo will present together.
Strictly judges say goodbye to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman
Following Karen Carney and Carlos Gu’s final dance, judge Anton Du Beke got emotional saying goodbye to Tess.
Anton Du Beke became overwhelmed with emotion as he told Tess Daly: “I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved, Tess, spending the last 21 years with you. I love you.”
Daly also held back tears as she said: “Thank you, Anton.”
Craig Revel Horwood added: “I just realised this is our last little thing with Tess and we all deeply love you and we will miss you like you will not believe.”
A video package aired to celebrate the duo’s time on the show, with the Strictly team behind the scenes paying tribute to the long-standing presenters.
Queen Camilla sends letter to Strictly’s Tess and Claudia
Later on in the evening, the presenting duo gave a short farewell speech.
An emotional Tess said: “Thank you so much all for your lovely words from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you the support you’ve shown us over the years.”
Claudia added: “We have loved being a part of such a wonderful show. It has been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you.”
Craig interrupted the pair to read a letter out from a ‘super fan’, thanking the pair for being the presenters.
It was later revealed that it was written by Her Royal Highness Queen Camilla.
🪩 Strictly the Best! A message from The Queen to Tess and Claudia. pic.twitter.com/IXofqPFwVe
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) December 20, 2025
The full letter read: “Dear Tess and Claudia, As you prepare to take your final twirl, I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
“I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships: the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
“If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all.
“The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous.
“I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next. But as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing: Keeeeeeeep dancing!
“With warmest gratitude and admiration, Camilla.”
Tess has presented Strictly Come Dancing for many years, first alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth when the BBC show launched in 2004.
Claudia first began as a presenter on the popular companion show, It Takes Two, before moving on to host the main show and its results show alongside Tess more than a decade ago, when Sir Bruce stepped down.
Who will replace Tess and Claudia on Strictly?
There have been several names rumoured to be in the running the be the new presenters on Strictly.
Among them are Alan Carr, Holly Willoughby, Bradley Walsh, and It Takes Two star Janette Manrara.
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Appearing on BBC Breakfast today to speak about the finale, Janette was asked if she had put her name in the running.
She replied: “That is like the golden ticket to Willy Wonka, you know? Nobody knows. Nobody knows what’s happening.
“I think right now, all I do know is that all of our producers, the incredible exec, Sarah James, they’re really, really focusing on this series, on these contestants, giving a proper goodbye to Tess and Claudia, and for the finalists to just have the best, best night.”
