Although the writing has been written on the wall for some time, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly Come Dancing exit shocked the showbiz industry.
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are waltzing away from Strictly Come Dancing in a bid to “go out at the top” and before anymore scandals around the show surface.
In a decision that stunned fans the pair put out a video confirming they would quit when the current run comes to an end, with the final episode on screen together going out on Christmas Day.
The pair’s apex, who always had a pact to leave together at the same time, was previously reported to the top show executives a few weeks ago, but their video on social media misled many of the Strictly cast and crew. Insiders claimed that Tess and Claudia have been having private conversations about leaving.
READ MORE: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leave Strictly LIVE: Holly Willoughby and Zoe Ball now frontrunners
Tess and Claudia wanted to rise to the top, a source said, “while the show is still huge, and shortly after they received MBEs. Midway through the series, it becomes a bit of a swansong and doesn’t distract the viewer from the winner.
“Claudia is right at her career peak with The Traitors and other TV offers flooding in. Tess has been hosting the show for more than two decades and like that idea of more weekends with her family and her friends.
They considered it was the right time to stop because the recent scandals surrounding the show have also had a slight impact on the ratings and there may be more.
According to a source close to the duo, “they always said they would go together when they felt right, and it just feels right this year.”
A video was posted on social media by the pair letting people know they were leaving.
The pair said in a statement that Strictly was a “dream come true because of our work as a duo.”
We were always going to leave together, but now it seems appropriate to do so.
“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.
When we say the final “keep dancing,” we will cry, but we will keep saying it to one another. Just possibly while eating some pizza while wearing tracksuit bottoms at home.
It’s very difficult to express what Strictly has meant to me in words, Winkleman said in another statement. The best relationship I’ve ever had has been.
I’ve always believed that leaving a party before you’re ready to go is wise, and I’m looking forward to seeing how Strictly fared. Tess, I’m so lucky that I got to sit right next to you. I love you because you’re funny, kind, smart, and a true friend.
Tess began hosting the program in 2004, working with late Bruce Forsyth, who remained a presenter until he resigned in 2014.
In 2004, Claudia began presenting its spin-off program It Takes Two while also joining the Strictly team.
Before the pair began presenting the main program ten years ago, she continued to co-present the Sunday night results show alongside Daly in 2010.
In response to Claudia’s post, Judge Motsi Mabuse responded, “Going to miss you so much.” You are a model and inspiration. Still shocked, but full of love and best wishes for you.
They state that new judges will be announced “in due course” in a BBC statement.
Early names in the frame included Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, Alan Carr, Alison Hammond, Holly Willoughby and Anton Du Beke.
Former It Takes Two host and contestant from 2005, Zoe Ball responded to the news by saying: “Absolute class act. Ladies, thank you. “Huge love”
Another former It Takes Two host, broadcaster Rylan Clark, claimed it was his “biggest pleasure” working with the “pair of icons.”
The BBC also confirmed Tess and Claudia will leave Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the current series and their last appearance together on screen will be on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special which will air on Christmas Day on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
The BBC’s Chief Content Officer, Kate Phillips, stated, “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Tess and Claudia’s decision to bid farewell to the Strictly ballroom is the end of an era.” They have both been incredible hosts, and their enthusiasm and commitment have gone above and beyond. They have contributed significantly to Strictly’s success over the past 20 years, but I am aware of why they have decided it’s time to give up the glitter ball and take their weekends off. They are fab-u-lous presenters, and they are fab-u-lous friends to me and so many others at the BBC, as Craig would put it. We will miss you a lot, so thank you Tess and Claud for everything.
Other backstage actors and crew members allegedly found the news surprising.
We are going to miss Tess and Claudia, said Suzy Lamb, managing director of BBC Studios’ entertainment division. Tess brought class, poise, and a sincere passion for the show that persisted throughout. And it was only in 2014 that Claudia’s charm and razor-sharp wit made it possible for us to join It Takes Two, cementing a relationship that has kept our audience interested ever since. We’ll miss Tess and Claudia dearly, but they’re also going to be our friends because they’re Strictly production family, and we’re happy to see them.
Source: Mirror
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