One expert claims that the partnership between Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly will be difficult to replicate after they announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing earlier this week.
The BBC will struggle to find a host who will “incredibly valuable” and who will host Strictly Come Dancing.
Tess and Claudia announced their departure from the show on Thursday (23 October) in a joint video, where they said: “After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside.”
They added that they are bound by a collective bargain. Tess referred to Strictly as her “third child” and “second family” in a separate statement, promising to continue watching but felt the need to “hand over the reins.”
Talent agent and PR expert told the Mirror that their exit marks the end of an era for Saturday night television.
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“Between them, they’ve fronted some of the BBC’s most successful formats and they’ve done it with warmth, chemistry and credibility – three things that are very hard to replicate,” he says.
“It’s simple to forget how pioneering their partnership was.” It was genuinely refreshing to have two women host one of Britain’s biggest primetime entertainment programs. They endured years of sexist criticism for their looks, sleeve types, and ages, but never let that define them.
They weren’t drawn into competing with one another, they weren’t. We haven’t seen anything like it since, and they redefined what female-led television in the UK could look like.
Claudia has already demonstrated she is much more than just a presenter, Dermot asserts. “Her fringe alone is a brand in its own right.
“The Traitors turned her into a global star and fashion icon, so she’s now in that rare position where she can choose between high-end television projects, fashion partnerships and even production or writing. She has the kind of cultural capital that travels well internationally.”
Tess, on the other hand, has always been “elegant, polished, and reliable,” Dermot claims.
“Her next chapter could be about lifestyle, wellness, or fashion,” she said. She is already the brand’s face when it comes to vitamin supplements. Every brand wants to capitalize on her aspirational mid-life glamour because she has long been associated with it.
“I could see her following her husband Vernon into radio, or another TV role within the BBC. I’m sure ITV will be straight on the phone to her team, looking to explore options.”
Both women have qualities that many presenters lack, according to the PR expert.
Despite Strictly’s numerous pressures and scandals, “they’ve steered the ship well,” according to Dermot, and they continue to remain calm despite those who may be in trouble.
They are therefore extremely valuable to both streaming and paid advertisers. They can now create businesses that transcend the dancefloor, whether it’s through podcasts, documentaries, or co-producing formats.
They are stepping back at the same time, they say. They are in charge of the narrative. They are leaving on a high, and in this industry, that is the ultimate power move, rather than waiting for a replacement.
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