Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the hosts of the popular TV show “Strictly Come Dancing,” have made a surprising announcement. They revealed in a joint video and separate statements that they will be leaving the BBC dance competition, a decision that has stunned fans. Tess has been part of the show for 21 years, originally co-hosting with Bruce Forsyth before Claudia took over 11 years ago. The duo has been a consistent presence on the program, which airs from September through the festive season each year.
Reports suggest that Tess and Claudia have been earning substantial salaries from their roles on Strictly Come Dancing, with each reportedly making around £150,000 for their hosting duties. Although the BBC has not officially disclosed their earnings, it was rumored that they secured a larger six-figure sum after committing to two more years on the show in 2023.
According to a source quoted in The Sun, the BBC highly values Tess and Claudia and considers them integral to the success of the show. The source emphasized the importance of having two women hosting a prime-time program on BBC1 and praised the duo for their popularity with viewers.
Despite the show’s producers expressing their admiration for Tess and Claudia and their desire to retain them, the pair has chosen to step down after two years of signing a new contract. In their farewell video, Claudia and Tess thanked the Strictly team and the loyal audience for their support over the years, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the beloved show.
As they bid farewell, the duo shared their appreciation for the show and its team, mentioning their plans for the future. They expressed gratitude to the BBC and everyone involved in the production, stating that hosting Strictly Come Dancing had been a dream come true. Tess and Claud concluded their message with heartfelt thanks and a promise to continue supporting each other post-Strictly.