BREAKING: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have just concluded their final live broadcast as hosts of Strictly Come Dancing on December 17, 2023. The dynamic duo, who have been the face of the beloved show, expressed their heartfelt emotions during a finale that celebrated their incredible journey.
This evening’s grand finale showcased exhilarating performances from finalists Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke with Alexis Warr, and Karen Carney alongside Carlos Gu, all vying for the coveted glitterball trophy. In a stunning twist, former footballer Karen Carney emerged victorious, exclaiming, “I cannot believe it! Thank you to everyone who has supported us!”
The emotional farewell unfolded as Tess and Claudia delivered poignant goodbyes to their loyal viewers. Following a surprise message from Queen Camilla, the pair became visibly moved. Tess stated, “Most importantly, thank you at home for watching. It has been an absolute pleasure.” Claudia added, “All that’s left to do now is please keep dancing to celebrate our fantastic winners, Kaz and Carlos.”
During the show, Tess reflected on the journey they shared since the show’s inception in 2004, saying, “We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time.” The duo’s departure marks the end of an era, having captivated audiences for nearly two decades.
The finale was not just about farewells; the judging panel also expressed their gratitude. A teary-eyed Anton Du Beke shared, “I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved Tess. Spending the last 21 years with you has been an incredible honor.” Fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood echoed similar sentiments, encapsulating the emotions of all involved.
As the show concluded, the heartfelt tributes continued, with Claudia receiving a surprise from pro dancers dressing as her, adding a light-hearted moment to an otherwise bittersweet evening. “Oh my god! I can’t cope!” Claudia exclaimed as the audience erupted in laughter.
The emotional farewell had been anticipated, with sources hinting at special surprises for the final show. An insider revealed, “It will be an intense moment on a farewell show which promises to be highly emotional. Bosses have gone to great lengths to ensure a memorable send-off for these two legends.”
In a touching Instagram post, Tess and Claudia described their time on the show as “an absolute dream,” expressing gratitude for the fantastic team behind Strictly Come Dancing. They promised to keep the spirit of the show alive, stating they would continue to say “keep dancing” even in their downtime.
As audiences reflect on the duo’s legacy, speculation grows about their replacements. Names like Rylan Clark, Zoe Ball, and Holly Willoughby are among those tipped to take over the iconic hosting duties.
The Strictly Come Dancing final is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. For the latest updates in entertainment, visit the Everything Gossip website.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the world bids farewell to two of television’s most beloved hosts.
