Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman became emotional as the show paid tribute to them (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing’s departing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman became visibly emotional as the show paid a touching tribute to them in advance of their final show on Saturday, December 20. During the results show on Sunday Tess was visibly surprised when the judges summoned her to the “Clauditorium” where Claudia had been chatting to the foursome about the performances on the live show the previous night. As pro dancer Kai Widdrington helped her up the stairs to the interview area she could be heard asking him what was going on and the mics picked him up telling her: “You’ll see”.

As she sat down, Craig Revel Horwood told the pair: “Because it’s our last time in the Clauditorium…we just want to tell you both how much we’re going to miss you, how much we totally and utterly love you to bits…and we’ve got a little surprise for you.”

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The show then cut to a tribute video for the pair going right back to the earliest days of the show when Tess hosted alongside the late legendary entertainer Bruce Forsyth.

Both Tess and Claudia appeared tearful watching and when the clip ended there was another surprise in store.

“We love you so much we thought you deserved something very special to go away with,” Craig said as Kai entered with two minature gold glitterball trophies which were presented to the pair. “Can I just say it’s not for dancing?” Craig quipped as they accepted them.

“We’re so lucky, and you four, and everybody who makes the team, we are so, so lucky. It’s been an honour,” Claudia said.

Clauida Winkleman and Tess Daly were presented with two special miniature gold glitterball trophies (Image: BBC)

Tess agreed saying: “You guys are like family to us. We’ll always feel the whole team is just the best team it is and we had the most amazing time.”

Viewers were deeply moved by the moment and took to X to share their feelings on the pair. “Not gonna be the same without Tess and Claudia, please talk them into staying,” one pleaded. “Will miss Tess & Claudia so much…two total pros! It feels like the end of an era!” another penned.

A third chimed in: “This is making me emotional #strictly won’t be the same next year without tess and claudia going to miss this partnership so much.” A fourth shared: “Beautiful memories, Tess and Claudia we will miss you both so, so much.”

A fifth commented: “Strictly will really miss Tess and Claudia. Whoever replaces them has extremely massive shoes to fill.” Meanwhile a sixth lamented: “Strictly will always be fabulous, but it will never be the same show again without Tess and Claudia.”