When Tess Daly, lead presenter of BBC and Claudia Winkleman, co‑host of the same show confirmed on 23 October 2025 that they will step down at the end of the current series of Strictly Come Dancing. The pair, who have been the face of the Saturday‑night ballroom extravaganza for more than a decade, said they felt it was the right moment to hand the reins to fresh talent.
Two decades of dance‑floor dominance
Since its launch on 15 May 2004, Strictly Come DancingBBC Television Centre, London has become a cultural institution. Daly has been the sole anchor since day one, while Winkleman first appeared as a presenter on the companion programme It Takes Two in 2004 and moved onto the main show in 2014.
The 2025 series, which kicked off on 14 September, features 15 celebrity contestants—singer Jamie Borthwick, actress Sarah Beacock, and presenter Chris McCausland among them—paired with the franchise’s seasoned professionals. Live shows air each Saturday at 7 p.m. and a Sunday results show follows at 7:15 p.m., both broadcast from Elstree Studios in Borehamwood.
Final season milestones
The competition’s climax will be staged at the iconic Blackpool Tower Ballroom on 21 December 2025. That venue, with its historic ballroom and glittering chandelier, has hosted the grand finale more times than any other location.
- Series average: 11.2 million viewers per episode (BARB consolidated data, 20 Oct 2025).
- Final live results show: 20 December 2025, hosted by Daly and Winkleman.
- Series end date: 21 December 2025, the final dance on Blackpool’s famous floor.
During the week leading up to the announcement, former professional dancer Oti Mabuse appeared on ITV’s Loose Women and fought back tears when asked about the presenters’ exit, underscoring how deeply the duo’s partnership is felt across the dance community.
What drove the decision?
BBC One controller Lindsay Salt hinted that scheduling pressures may have played a part. Winkleman, who now fronts the reality‑competition series The Traitors and its celebrity spin‑off, has seen her calendar become increasingly packed since stepping down from BBC Radio 2 in 2022.
“It could have been that those commitments fed into this decision,” a BBC reporter identified only as Nani told the newsroom on the evening of the announcement. Neither Daly nor Winkleman confirmed the speculation, but the timing of their departure—right after a major contract renewal cycle—adds weight to the theory.
Impact on the show’s future
With the duo’s exit, the search for new hosts is already underway. Industry insiders expect the BBC to look for a presenter who can blend dance‑floor knowledge with broad‑appeal humour—perhaps a former contestant or a personality from another flagship programme.
For viewers, the change could reshape the show’s tone. Daly’s steady, reassuring presence has been a calming anchor during live voting mishaps, while Winkleman’s quick‑wit and pop‑culture references have kept the broadcast lively. Replacing that chemistry is a tall order, but the show’s format—celebrity‑professional pairings, live voting, and a grand finale in Blackpool—remains robust.
What’s next for Daly and Winkleman?
Both presenters say they intend to stay within the BBC ecosystem. Daly hinted at potential involvement in documentary presenting, while Winkleman’s contract with The Traitors is set to run through the 2026 season. Their departure from Strictly Come Dancing may simply be a strategic pivot rather than an exit from television altogether.
Key facts at a glance
- Who: Tess Daly (55) and Claudia Winkleman (53)
- What: Leaving as main presenters of Strictly Come Dancing
- When: Announcement on 23 Oct 2025; final episode 21 Dec 2025
- Where: BBC Television Centre (London) for production; final show at Blackpool Tower Ballroom
- Why it matters: End of a 21‑year era; signals possible shift in BBC’s entertainment line‑up
Frequently Asked Questions
How will the hosts' departure affect viewers of Strictly?
Long‑time fans may miss the familiar banter between Daly and Winkleman, but the core format stays the same. New presenters could bring fresh energy, potentially attracting younger audiences while preserving the show’s ballroom heritage.
What led to the joint decision to leave together?
Both women cited timing and the desire for new challenges. Winkleman's expanding role on The Traitors and Daly's interest in documentary work suggest they each have clear next steps, making a synchronized exit logical.
Who might replace them as hosts?
BBC insiders mention potential candidates from its own talent pool—perhaps a former Strictly celebrity like HRVY or a popular presenter such as Romesh Ranjan teamed with a seasoned dance journalist.
Will the show's ratings change after the hosts leave?
BARB data shows Strictly consistently pulls over 10 million viewers. A host change alone is unlikely to cause a major dip, though initial curiosity could boost numbers for the first post‑Daly/Winkleman episode.
What does this mean for the future of BBC’s entertainment lineup?
The departure underscores a broader shift at the BBC toward rejuvenating long‑running formats. With Lindsay Salt overseeing the transition, the corporation is likely to experiment with mixed‑media elements while retaining the beloved ballroom core.
