There wasn’t a dry eye left on the Strictly dancefloor as Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman shared an emotional final embrace during their very last Christmas Special appearance.
The longstanding hosts have now finally hung up their dancing shoes after presenting the show’s hotly anticipated Christmas special
The much-loved presenting duo officially hung up their glittering dancing shoes after fronting the pre-recorded festive show, filmed ahead of their tearful farewell on Saturday night’s series final.
The Christmas Special also saw Scarlett Moffatt, 35, and her pro partner Vito Coppola, 33, crowned the festive champions, after earning a perfect score
This year’s Christmas extravaganza saw a brand-new line-up of celebrity hopefuls put through a fast-tracked Strictly experience in a bid to lift the Glitterball and be crowned festive champions.
Dressed in festive white and cream outfits, Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, shared an emotional hug and dance while the celebrity contestants applauded them for their work on the show
Dressed in elegant white and cream outfits, Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, hugged and swayed together on the dancefloor as the celebrity contestants rose to applaud them.
The pair’s appearance on the Christmas special comes after it was reported that Tess and Claudia are planning a boozy wrap party to celebrate their departure from Strictly
Bringing the show to a close, a visibly emotional Tess told viewers:
“Thank you again for watching us over the years — it has truly meant the world to us.”
Following the episode, fans took to X to share their farewells to Tess and Claudia as they leave the show
The Christmas Special also crowned its winners, with Scarlett Moffatt, 35, and professional partner Vito Coppola, 33, sweeping to victory after scoring a flawless 40 out of 40.
Scarlett and Vito earned an impressive perfect score from the judges after dancing a Cha Cha Cha to DJ Play a Christmas Song
Their Cha Cha to Cher’s DJ Play A Christmas Song wowed judges Shirley Ballas, 65, Craig Revel Horwood, 60, Oti Mabuse, 35, and Anton Du Beke, 59 — sealing their place as the 2025 festive champions.
Babatunde Aléshé and Nancy Xu kicked off the show with a Charleston to Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, scoring 35 points
Brian McFadden performed an energetic Jive to Run Rudolph Run with Michelle Tsiakkas, and scored 39 points
Overwhelmed by the win, Scarlett — who shot to fame on Gogglebox in 2014 — said:
“This is amazing! I feel like I should have prepared a speech! This is honestly the greatest Christmas gift ever — we’ve all had the best time!”
Gladiators star Fury, also known as Jodie Ounsley, performed a Street/Commercial routine to Red Christmas with Neil Jones, earning a score of 37
They triumphed in a glitter-filled showdown that also featured Babatunde Aléshé, Brian McFadden, Jodie Ounsley, Melanie Blatt and EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey.
All Saints star Melanie Blatt performed a Theatre/Jazz number with Kai Widdrington to Santa Baby, and scored 36 points
Tess has been at the helm of Strictly since 2004 and Claudia joined the show in 2013, taking over from the late Sir Bruce Forsyth
Tess – who has been with Strictly since day one – received an Argentine Tango with Aljaž Škorjanec as a Christmas gift from the judges
The star gushed she’d had the ‘best Christmas ever’ after getting to enjoy an impromptu dance with pro Aljaz
During the show, Claudia also received a special Love Actually-inspired parting gift from the show’s musical director Dave Arch
Scarlett shared a victory post on her Instagram after she was crowned the winner of this year’s Strictly Christmas Special
Tess reflected on her last ever Christmas Special on social media
The duo hosted their last ever live show on Saturday after 21 years working on the show, but made their final appearance in the pre-recorded Christmas Special
There were a number of emotional tributes to Claudia and Tess during Saturday’s final, including a letter from Queen Camilla herself
Following the broadcast, fans flooded X with emotional farewells to Tess and Claudia.
“There will never be another Tess and Claudia,” wrote one viewer.
Another added: “Mourning the end of them forever.”
A third confessed: “I’m sat here sobbing over their final Strictly — what a Christmas.”
The duo confirmed their decision to step down in October, saying in a joint statement:
“We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We’ll cry when we say our last ‘keep dancing’ — but probably in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding pizza.”
During the Christmas show, Tess was surprised with an Argentine Tango from Aljaž Škorjanec, while Claudia received a heartfelt Love Actually-style gift from musical director Dave Arch.
They were also stunned when judge Craig Revel Horwood read out a personal letter from Queen Camilla, praising their partnership as “the greatest Strictly pairing of all.”
A choked-up Tess later said:
“I can’t speak — what an honour. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
After 21 years on the show — Tess since its launch in 2004 and Claudia since taking over from Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2013 — the iconic pair have officially passed the baton.
Sources reveal the duo are planning a much boozier wrap party in the New Year, after Claudia left the final bash early while Tess partied into the night.
Speculation is now rife over who will replace them, with names including Rylan Clark and Rob Rinder already being tipped — and head judge Shirley Ballas backing the duo as future hosts.
“Everyone is going to be sad,” Shirley admitted. “They are kind, polite and wonderful with every single person they meet.”
Strictly may go on, but fans are clear on one thing — the Tess and Claudia era will never be forgotten.
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