
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were emotional as they said their final goodbyes to the audience (Image: BBC)
Tess Daly struggled as she said her final goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing audiences as she and co-host Claudia Winkleman received a surprise letter from Queen Camilla praised them for their efforts on the show. The pair were visibly emotional after the show aired an unexpected video tribute to them. As they tearfully addressed the viewers judge Craig Revel Horwood interrupted them to read the letter from Her Majesty.
Celebrity psychic and body language expert Inbaal Honigman analysed the pair’s reaction to the surprise, and she deduced Tess was very emotional while Claudia was nervous. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk she said: “Is Tess’s sobbing real or for the cameras? Tess’s breathing reveals the answer. Her chest rises and drops, showing that she’s struggling to regulate her deep breaths. She is absolutely emotional and not just putting it on. Whereas Tess is quite on board with expressing her emotions, the unexpected letter has moved Claudia, too,” she said.
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Speaking on behalf of Covers.com she continued: “Claudia is much less excited to reveal her emotions, but she lightly places her hand on her tummy a couple of times, so she must be nervous. When realising that the letter is from Queen Camilla, Claudia’s face drops with shock,” she observed.
Conscious of not stealing the thunder from the winner of the show Tess and Claudia said their goodbyes just before the victor was announced.
Following the surprise video clip Tess said: “Thank you so much all for your lovely words from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for the support that you’ve shown us over the years really meant the world.”
Claudia added: “We have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It’s been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you,” as Craig Revel Horwood interjected to read them the letter from Queen Camilla.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were emotional as Craig Revel Horwood read a letter from the Queen (Image: BBC)
Camilla’s moving letter read: “Dear Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final 12 I just want to say thank you. On behalf of the millions who watch you each week I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
“If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next.
“But as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing with warmest gratitude and admiration Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.”
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