Strictly Come Dancing’s Icon Week was the first live show following the surprising announcement of the hosts’ departure after an 11-year tenure.
All attention was on Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as they entered the dancefloor during the show. Viewers awaited any mention of their impending exit and anticipated a glimpse of the emotions surrounding the news.
Walking out together, Claudia sported a stylish silk shirt and high-waisted trousers, while Tess exuded glamour in a navy jumpsuit. Initially, everything appeared business as usual on the glitzy dance program.
Having co-hosted since 2014, and with Tess having hosted alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth for seven years prior, the duo are the familiar faces of the well-established Strictly machine.
However, this week’s show kicked off in an atypical manner.
Addressing the audience, Tess revealed, “Just before we get started, Claude and I announced this week that this will be our last series of Strictly Come Dancing.”
Claudia added, “We want to thank you for your beautiful messages. We have another eight weeks on this incredible show and a Strictly champion to crown.”
Excitedly, Claudia then introduced the judges and the competing couples to the stage.
Speculation arose among viewers as Tess appeared emotional while making the announcement. Nevertheless, the pair is prepared to pass on the baton to the next hosts.
Claudia expressed her confidence in the upcoming hosts, stating, “I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.”
While Tess and Claudia had planned their departure for a year behind closed doors, the decision came as a surprise to the show’s producers and crew.
According to a TV source, the duo aimed to exit at the peak of their careers, with Claudia receiving various TV offers amidst the success of “The Traitors,” and Tess desiring more time with her family and friends after over two decades hosting the show.
Considering recent controversies affecting the show’s ratings, the hosts felt that now was the right moment to step down.
In a separate development, former footballer Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink exited Strictly Come Dancing after a dramatic dance-off. Despite delivering a standout performance with partner Lauren Oakley, they were eliminated in favor of West End star Amber Davies and her partner Nikita Kuzmin.
Reflecting on her elimination, Amber shared her feelings on Instagram, acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the competition and expressing gratitude to her supporters.
The latest episode of Strictly Come Dancing was filled with surprises and emotions as the competition heats up.
