Tess Daly shared an emotional farewell message on Instagram after the Strictly Come Dancing final.

Two women engaged in conversation, one wearing a sparkling dress, the other in a formal black suit, standing in a well-lit hallw

The pair looked stunning during the final (Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

Tess Daly bid an emotional goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing by sharing exclusive behind-the-scenes footage following the grand final, which saw former Lioness Karen Carney and Carlos Gu claim the coveted Glitterball trophy. The usually composed host visibly struggled to contain her emotions throughout the evening, before turning to Instagram after the live broadcast to reflect on what she called an “absolutely brilliant series”. The finale also brought the curtain down on her remarkable 21-year tenure with the BBC favourite.

Accompanying her message, Tess posted intimate backstage footage, offering viewers a rare glimpse into what happens behind the scenes. In her touching tribute, Tess celebrated the dedicated crew behind Strictly, highlighting the devotion and commitment that bring the programme to life season after season.

An individual adorned in a sequined dress is seen closely examining a small object in their hand, while another person stands ne

Tess got tearful during the show (Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

She penned: “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.

“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 went on to say: “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.”

Her heartfelt post resonated with fans and celebrity friends alike, who filled the comments section with affectionate messages. Rylan Clark penned: “Love you both so much. Irreplaceable xxx.”

Dannii Minogue added: “This is incredible to see and feel all the emotion. Congratulations on delivering so much sparkly heart warming tv.”

A group of individuals, dressed in vibrant and colorful attire, are dancing on a stage adorned with a dramatic backdrop of purpl

The series finale left viewers sobbing (Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

One fan enthused: “Please know how much the two of you mean to the nation. Strictly will not be the same without you. You are beloved.”

Another commented: “I don’t know how you two held it together, because 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 behind-the-scenes footage offers a more intimate glimpse into the finale, underscoring Tess and Claudia’s desire to keep the spotlight on the finalists rather than themselves.

The presenting pair stunned viewers in October with a shock Instagram announcement revealing their departure from Strictly. Tess has fronted the programme for 21 years, whilst Claudia came aboard in 2014 after presenting its spin-off It Takes Two.

During the broadcast, producers played a montage of fans and crew bidding farewell to Tess and Claudia. When the camera returned to them, Tess was visibly moved, clutching her co-host.

“We didn’t know that was going to happen,” said an emotional Claudia.

Two individuals are standing side by side on a stage, likely engaged in a performance or presentation. One individual is dressed

Claudia and Tess have worked together for many years (Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

The duo began their own farewell speech before Craig intervened. The judge paused their tribute to share a letter from a “Strictly superfan”.

As he delivered the words praising the pioneering pair, their emotions intensified – particularly upon discovering the letter came from 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.

An individual with long, flowing blonde hair is seated and smiling directly at the camera, likely in a studio setting.

The presenter looked stunning for the BBC spectacle (Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

 

“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.”

In another moment during the programme, Claudia was left shrieking after a heartwarming surprise. The professional dancers all impersonated her as she opened the voting for the final time.

She burst into laughter and exclaimed “No way!” upon spotting that judge Craig had joined in as well. Viewers were similarly moved bidding farewell to Tess and Claudia.

An image depicts two women standing close together, one woman with blonde hair smiling and appearing to embrace the other woman,

Tess’ daughter was part of the finale celebrations (Image: @tessdaly/Instagram)

One viewer expressed: “Can we just show our appreciation to Tess and 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 commented: “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.”

Throughout the live finale, a behind-the-scenes photograph of Tess and Claudia was posted to her Instagram profile. She wrote alongside the image: “You better believe we’re gonna keep dancing.”