Daly and Winkleman To Leave Strictly This Year

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced in a pre-recorded joint video that they will leave Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the current series and will continue presenting through the remainder of the run, including the Christmas special. Daly has been with the show since its 2004 launch and the pair have co-hosted the main show since 2014; they said the decision was mutual, planned over months, and motivated by a wish to ‘pass the baton’ and spend more time with family. Insiders linked Winkleman’s growing schedule and success on shows such as The Traitors — and reported interest from ITV — to her desire to pursue other opportunities. The exit follows a turbulent 2024 season that included misconduct allegations and probes, and has intensified speculation about major changes at Strictly amid sliding ratings. The BBC confirmed the hosts’ decision; colleagues including Anton du Beke and Vernon Kay paid tribute, and bookmakers and media are already naming potential successors, with Zoe Ball an early favourite.