Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who hosts Strictly, made a sensational announcement yesterday that they would be leaving the program. The former admitted to feeling concerned that “people don’t want to watch it anymore.”
Claudia Winkleman shared her concerns regarding Strictly Come Dancing’s ratings before announcing her exit. In a dramatic move yesterday, both Claudia and her co-host, Tess Daly, announced they would be quitting the flagship BBC show, marking the end of a 21-year tenure for Tess and Claudia (who joined It Takes Two in 2004).
Claudia and Tess, speaking in a statement on Instagram, noted that they “loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream”, adding they were “always going to leave together” and it felt like the “right time”.
Yet, Claudia appeared to express a fear that the show’s viewership wasn’t guaranteed as far back as five years ago. Indeed, in her 2020 book, Quite, she said the Strictly team “don’t take it for granted” that people will “watch again every year”.
The host of Celebrity Traitors said, “We don’t take it for granted that people watch again and again.” That would be illogical, haughty, and fundamentally uncool. Will they watch, will they come, will anyone care at the launch, the anticipation is high.
We’re also anxious to see these people move, she continued. Do they have dancing? Can they clap while the clock ticks? (I can’t, by accident), and will they make friends with everyone else?
The TV star continued, “But primarily there’s the fear – a real deep-down sense of, “Hide, what if people don’t want to watch it anymore?” Although this is normal and healthy, the studio audience’s happiness is a great relief.
Claudia went on to say they love the show’s various professional dancers “so much”, before noting how they have a group dance, and they’re then on their way.
Elaborating further about how they feel about parting ways with the show, Claudia and Tess said they would “cry” when they say the very last “keep dancing”, but intend to keep saying it to each other off-screen.
However, she said this will possibly be done while in “tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza”. Meanwhile, Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse was spotted in the comments responding to the shock announcement.
She said, “I’m going to miss you so much! ” while offering some words of support. You are a model and inspiration. Still shocked, but we wish you the best wishes and love.
In a further twist to the proceedings, the duo’s announcement has come mid-season. Tess and Claudia have, however, confirmed they will stay until the end of the current 23rd series, their final appearance, reports the BBC, will take place during the Strictly special on Christmas Day.
Tess first appeared on the program in 2004 and was accompanied by Play Your Cards Right legend Sir Bruce Forsyth.
Source: Mirror
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