Strictly fans in tears as BBC airs ’emotional’ Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman special

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will be leaving the BBC show at the end of this year

Strictly Come Dancing fans were left in tears as the BBC aired an “emotional” tribute to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman on Tuesday (December 9).

Tess and Claudia shocked fans in October when they announced that they would be stepping down from the programme at the end of the current series.

The presenters have fronted the hit BBC dancing competition together since 2014, after Claudia replaced Sir Bruce Forsyth, who presented the original series with Tess from 2004.

Strictly spin-off, It Takes Two, aired a special episode that was dedicated to Tess and Claudia tonight. During the show, the pair spoke to Fleur East about their time on Strictly, with Tess paying an emotional tribute to her late co-host Sir Bruce.

Tess and Claudia also answered fun questions about themselves, gave their verdict on this year’s semi-finalists, and watched a compilation of their best Strictly moments over the years.

Strictly: It Takes Two aired a special episode on Tuesday night(Image: BBC)

BBC viewers were moved by the special episode, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to share their emotional reactions.

“@BBCStrictly has got me in bits. So many legends over the years,” one person wrote.

Another added: “It Takes Two is making my eyes leak already #Strictly,” while a third said: “Aww Bruce. Why am I sobbing?”A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “Already emotional at this special show for Tess and Claudia, end of an era #ItTakesTwo,” with another adding: “Well, that was rather lovely. I’m crying now.”

A sixth viewer similarly shared: “#Strictly just won’t be the same without Tess and Claudia. They are leaving REALLY big shoes to fill. Fantastic episode of #ItTakesTwo tonight.”

Tess paid a heartfelt tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth(Image: BBC)

During the episode, Tess made an “emotional” admission ahead of their final live show next week.

“We haven’t had time to think about it because we’ve been so into this series, so absorbed by it – such a brilliant series. All our focus is on that really, so I think it’s going to be a bit of a shock on the 20th. I might get emotional,” she said.

Claudia added: “I think we will be emotional, but of course, it won’t be about us, it’ll be about the winners, so that’s quite good,” to which Tess said: “We’re not allowed to cry.”

Claudia went on: “But afterwards, we will hold each other very tight and cry. It’s a lot.”

Tess and Claudia’s last Strictly appearance will take place on Christmas Day as they host their final festive special, which was filmed in Elstree earlier today.