UPDATE: In a heart-wrenching moment, fans of Strictly Come Dancing were left in tears during the final live episode tonight as Tess Daly delivered an emotional farewell. As she descended the stairs for her last live address, viewers witnessed the palpable emotion in the air, marking the end of an era for the beloved show.
The grand finale featured George Clarke, Karen Carney, and Amber Davies competing for the coveted Glitterball trophy. However, the night was particularly poignant as it was the final hosting appearance for both Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Tess expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the audience, stating, “Thank you for joining us for one last night in the ballroom.” The duo received a thunderous standing ovation, with Tess’s husband, Vernon Kay, spotted in the audience, visibly supporting his wife.
Social media exploded with reactions as fans flooded platforms like X, sharing their emotional responses. Claire wrote, “Tess and Claudia look like they’re going to cry already,” while Sara added, “I can’t believe this is Tess and Claudia’s last ever #Strictly. There’s going to be a lot of tears.” Others echoed the sentiment, with messages like, “Already crying at Strictly this is too much for me guys,” from Grace, and “Five mins in and I’m already crying,” from Katy.
The emotional farewell comes just weeks after Tess announced her departure in October, stating, “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing. It’s hard to put into words what this show has meant to me.”
In her heartfelt message, Tess described the show as “more than just a television programme. It’s felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004.” She highlighted the joy and connection that Strictly has brought to its viewers, reflecting on her journey alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, saying, “Brucie set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection, and pure showbiz magic.”
As the night progressed, Tess and Claudia were visibly emotional, with many fans commenting on their tearful reactions. Emily expressed concern for Tess, stating, “Tess is going to be crying all night I fear,” while Naomi lamented, “I’m already crying at this being Tess and Claudia’s last live show.”
Looking ahead, Tess and Claudia will host their final appearance in a pre-recorded Christmas special set to air on December 25. This special is poised to become a memorable send-off for the iconic duo and promises to bring back cherished memories for fans.
Throughout her farewell, Tess expressed immense gratitude to the entire Strictly team, saying, “You’ve filled my heart in ways I’ll never forget. I’ll miss you all so much. And to you—the viewers at home—the biggest thank you of all. Thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades.”
As the curtain falls on this chapter of Strictly Come Dancing, the emotional farewell resonates deeply with fans worldwide, ensuring that the legacy of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will live on in the hearts of millions. Stay tuned for the Christmas special, where more memories are sure to unfold.
