last hurrah 

Inside Tess Daly’s final rehearsal day at Strictly as her rumoured replacement sends supportive message

The 56-year-old host has shared behind the scenes snaps as she prepares to present her last finale tomorrow night

TESS Daly received a supportive message from her rumoured replacement as she shared glimpses from inside her final day of Strictly rehearsals.

She has known many of the team for more than 20 years, having co-hosted the show since its launch in 2004 alongside Bruce Forsyth, before Claudia Winkleman took over 11 years ago.

Tess Daly sitting in a decorated room with "Thank You For The Memories" banner, holding a mug.
Tess Daly showed how she’s been celebrating her last days on setCredit: Instagram / tessdaly

Large group photo of the cast and crew of "Strictly" on a brightly lit stage.
Rehearsals before Saturday night’s finaleCredit: Instagram / tessdaly

Cupcakes topped with edible images of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman holding awards.
Special cupcakes were delivered to Elstree StudiosCredit: Instagram / tessdaly
The pair will bow out tomorrow night in an emotional finale that’s expected to be one of the most-watched in years.

Sharing pictures and video from backstage at Elstree Studios, Tess told fans: “My last day of rehearsals, my heart is so full, the Strictly family I’ll have forever.”

Tess’s dressing room had been decorated with photographs of her time on Strictly – with a banner saying “thanks for the memories”.

The production team and other staff at Elstree Studios had also covered the room in confetti and delivered cupcakes with a picture of Tess and Claudia printed on top.

BBC Radio Two presenter Jo Whiley – who is among the names being dropped as potentially taking over the hosting gig – replied to Tess’s instagram post, saying: “Oh Tess. hold tight tomorrow. you & Claud are Goddesses. so much love.”

The Sun revealed bosses will give Tess and Claudia a spectacular send-off tomorrow night — with a huge surprise planned.

An emotional tribute to the departing duo is lined up for the grand final, where former Lioness Karen Carney, influencer George Clarke and West End star Amber Davies will compete for the glitterball.

Tess, 56, and her pal Claudia, 53, have been kept in the dark on the plans as they prepare to bid farewell to the BBC One show they have presented together for 11 years.

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It comes The Sun told how Thomas Skinner – a former contestant on this series – is planning to sue the BBC, claiming it rigged voting to get him off the show as quickly as possible.

The ex-Apprentice star, whose catchphrase is “Bosh”, says he has proof the Beeb downplayed his public support because of negative publicity.

He won’t return for the finale with the rest of the cast on Saturday night.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Strictly Come Dancing’s ­public vote is robust and independently overseen and verified to ensure complete accuracy.”

A room decorated with a "Thank You For The Memories" banner, golden circle garlands, and photos hanging from string lights.
Inside Tess Daly’s final rehearsal day at Strictly as her rumoured replacement sends supportive message,