Key Highlights
- Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will step down after the current series ends.
- The BBC has not announced replacements for the duo on Strictly Come Dancing.
- Celebrities will perform routines to honor music icons during Icons Week.
- Bookmakers have placed bets on potential new presenters for the show.
The End of an Era: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Depart Strictly Come Dancing
As the Christmas special is set to air, marking the last broadcast with presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter in the long-running dance competition show. The duo, who have been a fixture on the BBC programme for years, announced their departure at the end of November, shocking many viewers.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, Daly and Winkleman expressed their gratitude for their time with Strictly Come Dancing. “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” they said. Their last edition will feature performances dedicated to music icons, a tradition known as Icons Week.
Icons Week: A Tribute to Music Legends
The upcoming special edition of the show will celebrate music legends across decades. On Saturday evening, remaining couples will perform routines inspired by artists such as Beyoncé, Harry Styles, and Ariana Grande. Hollywood actress Rachel Zegler will also make a guest appearance on Sunday night, performing “Don’t Cry For Me Argentina.” These performances aim to honor the rich history of music that has been integral to Strictly Come Dancing.
Speculation Surrounds Future Presenters
The departure of Daly and Winkleman has sparked speculation about who might take over. Bookmakers have placed odds on potential new hosts, including Roman Kemp from The One Show and actress Hannah Waddingham. Some names being considered include former Strictly winner Stacey Dooley and celebrity presenter Alan Carr.
While the BBC has not yet announced any replacements, insiders suggest that producers might look within their own organisation for suitable candidates or may consider external talent. Current host Fleur East is also mentioned as a possible replacement for Winkleman on Strictly: It Takes Two.
The Future of Strictly Come Dancing
Despite the departure of Daly and Winkleman, the show’s producers are optimistic about its future. Caroline Frost, TV editor at the Radio Times, described them as “a formidable presenting duo” but believes a rebrand could be necessary. “Strictly still draws in millions of viewers,” she stated. “It will likely undergo changes similar to those seen with other long-running shows like Doctor Who and Match of the Day.”
On Saturday night, couples will perform dances inspired by famous looks from pop icons, adding a unique twist to this year’s competition. The series is set for three finalists as usual, with the bottom two facing the dreaded dance-off on Sunday.
As the show gears up for its final special, viewers are looking forward to seeing how Daly and Winkleman will leave their mark one last time before the new presenters take over in 2025. The transition promises to be both a bittersweet end and an exciting beginning for Strictly Come Dancing.
