Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly recently shocked fans with news of their joint decision to step down from hosting Strictly Come Dancing after a successful 21-year run. According to Claudia, the duo had actually made this pact over pizza years ago, rejecting the notion of staying on forever. Claudia humorously mentioned, “I don’t think anybody would want that. I am sure people watching would go ‘Can that small orange creature just shuffle off?’ Tess and I will leave at the same time. We made that pact over pizza. I had pepperoni.”
Taking over from the late TV legend Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2014, Claudia and Tess have since become a beloved hosting pair on the show. Claudia expressed her admiration for Tess, citing her as a calming presence during live TV moments. Despite her fame, Claudia shared that she still maintains a low profile when traveling on the Tube, remaining unrecognized by fellow passengers.
Claudia attributes her success to her parents, Eve Pollard and Barry, who encouraged her to pursue her showbiz aspirations. Starting her TV career in 1992 on the BBC travel series Holiday, Claudia gradually worked her way up through various television projects before landing the role on Strictly Come Dancing. She reminisced about the overwhelming joy of securing her first job at the BBC and the support she received from her family.
Claudia also highlighted her unique approach to fashion, often basing her outfits on different themes or personalities. She recalled some of her favorite costume inspirations, showcasing her eclectic style choices. Despite her penchant for dark colors in her personal life, Claudia occasionally veers into more colorful ensembles for special occasions.
Looking ahead to potential future projects in 2026, Claudia expressed immense gratitude for her time on Strictly and other TV ventures. Tess Daly, on the other hand, credited her successful Strictly career to the mentorship and kindness of Sir Bruce Forsyth, whom she described as a legendary figure in television. Tess emphasized the natural chemistry between her and Claudia, praising Claudia’s humor and work ethic as a working mother.
The partnership between Claudia and Tess has proven to be a winning formula for Strictly Come Dancing, with their dynamic hosting style captivating audiences over the years. Through their shared experiences and mutual respect, the duo has solidified their place as an iconic hosting duo in the realm of British television.