Copyright birminghammail
Strictly Come Dancing fans expressed their concerns for the future of the show as hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly returned to the stage for the first time since announcing their departure. The presenters addressed the news within seconds of stepping on to stage for the live show on Saturday night after revealing they would be leaving the hit BBC programme in a shock announcement on Thursday. After announcing it was Icons week, with each celebrity transforming into a music legend for the night, Tess sparked distress from the audience as she repeated that they would be leaving the show at the end of the series. Read more Strictly's Nadiya Bychkova 'finds love' with West End star after Kai split "Just before we get started Claude and I announced this week that this will be our last series of Strictly Come Dancing ," she said before the audience let out a roar of sadness. Claudia continued with a message to fans, sharing: "We want to thank you for your beautiful messages." She then revealed they have eight weeks left before they leave the world of Strictly. "We've got another eight weeks on this incredile show and a Strictly champion to crown," Claudia added, before Tess continued: "And we cannot wait to spled the rest of the series with you, our amazing couples and of course these four the judges." Viewers were in tears at the live announcement, with one writing on X: "I know shows can continue with new host but strictly without Tess & Claudia does not seem right #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing." "Sorry I actually can’t concentrate on anything because what do you MEAN this is the last series we have Tess and Claudia #Strictly #StrictlyComeDancing," a second said. "Tess and Claudia addressing their leaving announcement 2 minutes in and I’m already crying oh god I’m gonna be a mess by the final #strictly," a third wrote. "Wasn’t expecting Claudia & Tess to address their departure from the show … surprised #Strictly," another viewer commented. Another fan wrote: "Still distraught that tess and claudia are leaving us ngl #Strictly," while another added: "It’s sad tess and Claudia are leaving it won’t be the same without them #Strictly." Tess and Claudia have co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing together since 2014. Tess has presented the show since its very first episode alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth whilst Claudia originally presented Strictly: It Takes Two before moving over to host the results show alongside Tess in 2010. They were the first all-female duo to host a primetime entertainment programme on British TV. In June 2025, Tess and Claudia were both made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for their services to broadcasting.
