Vernon Kay and Tess Daly
Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were honoured with a highlights reel and golden trophy on Saturday ahead of their exit from the show

Vernon Kay has shared Tess Daly’s true thoughts on Strictly Come Dancing’s “bonkers” tribute to her. Tess, 56, announced last month that she would be leaving the hit BBC show along with co-host Claudia Winkleman.

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The mother-of-two has presented Strictly since its inception in 2004, initially lining up alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Claudia joined the hit show in 2014, having previously hosted the Sunday night results programme.

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Fans of the show were left “sobbing” on Saturday when Tess and Claudia were surprised with a special video tribute. It featured new interviews from the judges and footage from their early years alongside Sir Bruce.

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The pair were then surprised with a special golden edition of the competition’s famous Glitterball Trophy. Speaking on BBC Radio 2 on Monday (December 15), presenter Scott Mills described the moment as “emotional”.

In a conversation with Tess’ husband, fellow Radio 2 star Vernon Kay, Scott said: “[It was] Really emotional I thought with Tess and Claudia on Saturday, the montage. It just makes you realise, God they looked so different.”

‌Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

 

Vernon recalled the “bonkers” moment he sat down to watch the show with Tess, as well as daughters Phoebe and Amber. While the family were initially set to watch the show separately, Tess and Vernon decided they wanted to settle down together.

Vernon said: “They looked like babies. Twenty one years ago though, isn’t it? It was nice because we stopped, rewound it, because we didn’t watch it initially…when it started we weren’t all in the same room.

“When we got to the montage bit, we called the girls down, and the bit where someone mentioned that Tess was pregnant during the first series and Phoebe was watching it, that was bonkers.”

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Scott went on to say everyone will be “in bits” when Tess and Claudia present their final show. It prompted Vernon to add: “It’s going to be emotional because it’s just one of those… it’s been 21 years.”

During Saturday’s live show, Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood paid tribute to Tess and Claudia while presenting them with the golden trophy. He said: “We as judges, because this is our last time in the Clauditorium with the gorgeous Claudia and Tess, and we just want to tell you both how much we’re going to miss you.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkelman watching footage of themselves hosting Strictly Come Dancing on Strictly Come Dancing

“How much we totally and utterly love you to bits… We really, really love you both, we really do.”

It prompted Claudia to get emotional as she added: “Thank you so much. I can’t believe it, we’re so lucky. You four and everybody who makes the team, it’s been an honour.”

Tess added: “You guys are like family to us and we’ll always feel like that about you. The whole team is just the best team and we’ve had the most amazing time.”