Strictly Tess Daly’s heartbreaking goodbye as she shares unseen backstage video

Tess put together a heartfelt goodbye to thank fans and everyone involved in the show, leaving followers in tears.

View 9 Images

Tess shared an emotional tribute to her BBC colleagues(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

Tess Daly shared a personal farewell to Strictly Come Dancing by posting an unseen backstage video following the show’s grand final that saw former Lioness Karen Carney and Carlos Gu lift the Glitter Ball trophy.

The normally stoic presenter appeared to get choked up several times during the show, but took to Instagram after the live even to reflect on what she described as an “absolutely brilliant series”. It also marked the end of her long-running 21 year time on the BBC hit.

Alongside the post, Tess shared a behind-the-scenes clip giving fans a glimpse of life off camera. In her heartfelt caption, Tess paid tribute to the team behind Strictly, praising the passion and care that goes into making the programme year after year.

She wrote: “So that’s a wrap. What an incredible Final – fitting for what, for me, has been an absolutely brilliant series. Strictly is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda.

View 9 Images

Tess and Claudia presented their final show together(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

View 9 Images

Tess choked up several times during the show(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

“That love is down to every single member of the brilliant team that makes it, because to none of them is it just a job. It is a gift, and it is truly treasured. I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you.”

Tess continued: “I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been. It has been the most wonderful privilege to have shared it with you all for so many years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories of a lifetime.”

The post quickly struck a chord with fans and her celebrity pals, many of whom flooded the comments with messages of love. Rylan Clark wrote: “Love you both so much. Irreplaceable xxx.” While Zoe Ball added: “bravo Tess. you’re an absolute Goddess.” And Dannii Minogue wrote: “This is incredible to see and feel all the emotion. Congratulations on delivering so much sparkly heart warming tv.”

View 9 Images

Tess shared a backstage video of the final episode(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

View 9 Images

Tess choked up as she spoke to the crew(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

One follower gushed: “Please know how much the two of you mean to the nation. Strictly will not be the same without you. You are beloved.” While another user shared: “I dont know how you two held it together, coz i didn’t! I cried all the way through. Going to miss you two, wishing you both all the best for the future whatever it holds for you both.”

The unseen backstage footage shows a more personal side to the finale, as it was previously noted that Tess and Claudia didn’t want to make the final about them, but keep it concentrated on the finalists.

The duo took fans by surprise back in October when they suddenly announced their Strictly exit in an Instagram post. Tess has been a presenter on the show for 21 years, while Claudia joined in 2014 after hosting its sister show It Takes Two.

Later in the show, the producers aired a reel of fans and crew saying goodbye to Tess and Claudia. Cutting back to the pair, Tess was in tears as she held on to her presenting duo. “We didn’t know that was going to happen,” said an emotional Claudia.

Article continues below

138205439166

View 9 Images

Tess and Claudia were surprised several times during the show(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

View 9 Images

The final episode went off with a bang(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

The pair then started to say their own goodbye until they were interrupted by Craig. The judge stopped their speech to read out a letter from a “Strictly superfan”. As he read the words, which paid tribute to the trailblazing duo, they teared up even more – especially when they learned the letter was written by Queen Camilla.

In a joint statement, they said: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.

“We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.”

Elsewhere on the show, Claudia was left screaming as she was surprised with a touching tribute. The dancers all dressed up as her when she opened the vote for the last time. She laughed and shouted “No way!” when she noticed that judge Craig had done it too.

View 9 Images

Tess thanked everyone, including the viewers, for making the show amazing(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

View 9 Images

Tess waved goodbye to her 21 years on Strictly(Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

Fans were equally emotional to say goodbye to Tess and Claudia. One said: “Can we just show our appreciation to Tess & Claudia for their fabulous contribution to Strictly over the years! The show is a tad bitter sweet tonight, knowing we are saying goodbye to these two fabulous hosts. We love you and will miss you!”

Another added: “Strictly final with added emotion this year for Tess and Claudia’s final live show together.. watch the amazing performance…then suddenly comments mention and highlights the departure of the stand out hosts.”

During the live final, a photo of Tess and Claudia backstage was uploaded to her Instagram account. She captioned the post: “You better believe we’re gonna keep dancing.”

Did you watch the final show? What did you think? Let us know in the comments or join the conversation with us on socials.