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Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman sent shockwaves around the showbiz world by confirming their departure from Strictly Come Dancing . The pair announced this morning, October 23, that this series will be their last. In a joint statement, they said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. "We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. "They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day. We will cry when we say the last 'keep dancing' but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza." As reported by The Mirror , the fact that Tess and Claudia planned to leave Strictly together has been an open secret in the business. But Claudia has always been vocal about ensuring her family life takes priority. The mum-of-three, who also hosts hit show The Traitors, once told BBC bosses that she wouldn't work on a certain date because it clashed with taking her eldest son to university. The TV favourite, who joined Tess front and centre in 2014 after original host Sir Bruce Forsyth's stepped back, was adamant she would be with 18-year-old Jake on his first day as a fresher. She said it was "something parents have to go through". Claudia admitted there were "plenty of tears" during the emotional phonecall where she told a BBC boss she was "out" after hearing that the dates would clash. Speaking on BBC Woman's Hour, Claudia said: "'I phoned the boss of Strictly quite dramatically and said, through tears, 'Sarah I love you. I don’t want to leave Strictly and Tess [Daly] and I have agreed we will leave together when they’re done with us, but if the first show is September 13, I’m out and you’ll have to go with somebody else.' "And there was a beat. And she said, 'Quite dramatic. We don’t start that week.' I was like, 'alright'. I have to go and put up his posters. It’s not that I love him more than others love their kids, but this is something parents have to go through." Jake is one of three children Claudia shares with Kris Thykier, alongside Matilda and Arthur. The couple have been married for 21 years. She previously revealed her do-or-die pact with Tess, whom she has been alongside for more than a decade after moving from Strictly spin-off It Takes Two. Claudia previously told our sister title The Mirror: "Tess and I will leave at the same time. We’ve made that pact over pizza. We’ll go together, whenever they’re done with us.” Despite her success on Strictly since 2014, as well as fronting other shows like The Traitors, Claudia admits she still suffers from imposter syndrome. She said: "Even if they phoned me now and said, ‘You’re done’, I’d still think I have had the best career possible. I think your mental wellbeing is affected if you compare yourself to others. I am totally happy where I am at. I am not at the top but I am incredibly grateful for what I have.” The presenting pairing were both made Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours for their services to broadcasting this year. Sharing her own statement today, Claudia said: “I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights. “As for Tess – I’m so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.” Tess also released a personal message, speaking in glowing terms about her "21 unforgettable years" fronting Strictly. She said: "Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It's felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I knew then that it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring." Tess also thanked fans, dancers, judges, and celebrities, while singling out original co-host Sir Bruce Forsyth for lavish praise. She added: "To my beloved Claud - what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you. You're one of a kind, and I'll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we've shared. I'm so grateful to have you as my friend for life."
