Tess Daly shares emotional tribute to her Strictly ‘family’ on her final day of rehearsals ahead of last ever live show with Claudia Winkleman

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Tess Daly finished her final rehearsal for Strictly Come Dancing and shared a heartfelt message thanking the show’s dedicated crew.

Oh my gosh, I’m still reeling! Our beloved presenter, she’s 56, you know, announced she’s leaving after twenty-one years! Twenty-one years of amazingness! And she’s not going alone – she’s leaving with Claudia Winkleman too! It’s the end of an era, honestly. I can’t even imagine the show without them!

Tess, age 56, has been on the show since its beginning in 2004, when she first appeared with the late Bruce Forsyth.

Bruce Forsyth, who passed away in 2017, worked with her until he retired in 2013, after which Claudia took his place.

Before her final live performance and the Strictly Come Dancing finale on Saturday night, Tess Daly shared a heartwarming story on Instagram about a kind gesture from the show’s crew, as she thanked them for their support.

Tess posted a photo from the set with the crew, marking her final day of rehearsals. She shared how grateful she was, saying she’ll always consider the ‘Strictly’ team her family.

Tess shared that when she got to the studio, she was surprised to find her dressing room already decorated for the finale.

She was all smiles as she settled into her seat, surrounded by photos from throughout the years. A banner above them read, ‘Thank you for the memories’.

The coffee table was covered in silver and gold confetti and held a variety of brightly coloured sweets.

Earlier on Friday, Vernon Kay choked back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to his wife. 

Vernon, 51, shared that he’s been amazed by Tess’s time on the show and expects he’ll be very emotional watching from the audience.

On his BBC Radio 2 program, he shared that it’s Tess’s final appearance on Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday. He admitted he doesn’t want to say much more because he’s likely to get emotional, but emphasized it’s been a fantastic 21 years.

She’s hosted that show with Bruce and Claudia for years, and it’s always been a blast. It’s been a national favorite since it began, and we’ve even watched our children grow up with it.

I still remember when Phoebe was just a baby, carried on stage during the first season! Now, can you believe it, she’s all grown up – 21 years old! It’s so special that she’ll be there in the audience for our final show. It feels like a full circle moment.

Strictly Come Dancing isn’t just about the hosts – Tess and Claudia, or even Tess and Bruce before them. It’s the entire team that makes the show so enjoyable, and I’ve always admired that from a viewer’s perspective.

I’ve been completely caught up in the excitement of Strictly Come Dancing, and I want to say congratulations on a fantastic journey. It feels like we’ve lost a friend, but her accomplishments on the show were truly remarkable.

The BBC’s most popular entertainment show, and possibly its most successful ever considering it’s been on television for 21 years, is led by two women.

Have a wonderful weekend, Tess! You’ve earned all the joy that’s coming your way – the celebrations, happy tears, and all the excitement. Twenty-one years in the entertainment industry is a huge accomplishment, and you truly deserve all the recognition.

I’m sending all my support and love! She’s busy rehearsing right now, so she won’t hear it immediately, but I’m sure someone will let her know we’re thinking of her – you know how it works in the theatre!

I’m really excited for the Strictly Come Dancing final on Saturday! If you’re watching, keep an eye out – I’ll be in the background making silly faces as always.

I’m going to try not to cry, but I don’t think I’ll succeed – not at all. It’s incredible to think our family has owned it for 21 years!

Footballer Karen Carney honored Tess and Claudia with a photo, saying tomorrow is an important day, especially for these two incredible women.

I just wanted to express my sincere gratitude. Thank you for creating such a wonderful experience, not only for us but for everyone who has been a part of or enjoyed the show over the years.

We’re really going to miss you on Strictly, and we’re so sad to see you leave. We all send our love and wish you the very best in everything you do next.

Tess and Claudia were surprised with an emotional tribute during last Sunday’s results show.

To celebrate their journey on the show, the judges presented the couple with a heartfelt video featuring highlights from their best performances.

Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke met with Claudia backstage to discuss the upcoming results from the public vote.

Then, Craig announced the judges asked Tess to come forward so they could share how much they’d miss her and how much they appreciated her, saying, ‘We just want to tell you how much we’re going to miss you and how much we love you.’

He jokingly thanked Clauds for the dresses and shoes he’d received, and Tess for hosting all the pizza parties in her dressing room.

Tess and Claudia were deeply moved and became emotional when they watched a video montage of their time on the show, featuring messages from the judges.

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2025-12-20 00:36