Copyright manchestereveningnews
Tess Daly has said that after "21 unforgettable years" she will be leaving Strictly Come Dancing . Tess, who has been on the show since it started with Sir Bruce Forsyth, announced the news on Thursday (October 23) alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman , who will also leave at the end of the current BBC series. In a joint statement shared on Instagram on Thursday, the co-hosts said they would be leaving the show together at the end of the current series. "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream," they said. "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." Tess also followed-up her and Claudia's message with a statement of her own, saying she "could never have imagined the magic" the show would bring when she started 21 years ago. It read: "After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It's hard to put it into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes. "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 it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring. "Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together – and I'm so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many." The broadcaster, who hails from Stockport , continued: "From that very first series, I had the great honour of standing alongside the incomparable Sir Bruce Forsyth. Brucie set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, with, connection and pure showbiz magic. "I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our magnificent judges, and all the celebrities who have taken part. I absolutely adore out brilliant crew – every single member of the Strictly team who have worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is. You are the very best in the business – the kindest, most fun, most loyal, and definitely the hardest-working team in television. "Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, and the countless memories over all these years. You've filled my heart in ways I'll never forget. I'll miss you all so much." Addressing fans of the show, she shared: "And to you – the viewers at home – the biggest thank you of all. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades. "Your love, loyalty, and unwavering support have meant the world. You've carried us through every series, and that has never, ever been taken for granted. You are the heart of this show, and I feel so lucky to have shared it with you. Being part of your weekend from September to Christmas for the past 21 years has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my career." Tess then directed her attention to her "beloved Claud", saying: "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 life show, and every backstage moment we've shared. I'm so grateful to have you as my friend for life." Tess finished her lengthy post: "This isn't a goodbye to glitter, sequins, or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart – but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reigns. "With all my love and endless gratitude, Tess." She simply captioned the post: "To my Strictly friends and family [heart emoji]."
