Tess Daly’s poignant farewell to Strictly has left everyone emotional as she shared a glimpse of her final moments on the iconic BBC set.

Tess Daly shared an emotional message as she prepares to host her final Strictly Come Dancing (Image: Instagram)

Tess Daly has marked a major moment in Strictly Come Dancing history as she prepares for her  final ever live show, sharing an emotional message that sparked an outpouring of support from stars and fans alike. With rehearsals drawing to a close ahead of Saturday night’s grand finale (December 20), the long-serving presenter first shared a snap from the iconic BBC set as the crew lined up for a group picture. Taking to Instagram, Tess wrote: “My last day of rehearsals, my heart is so full, the Strictly family I’ll have forever.” Tess then revealed she arrived at the studio to find her dressing room had been decorated ahead of the final.

She shared a smile as she sat down surrounded by pictures from over the years stuck to the wall under a banner that read: “Thank you for the memories”. There was also a selection of delicious treats on the coffee table, with silver and gold confetti scattered everywhere. The messages quickly struck a chord, with friends, colleagues and viewers reacting in droves as the reality of her departure — alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman — began to sink in.

Tess shared a snap from the iconic set as the crew lined up for a group pic (Image: Instagram)

Close pal Rylan Clarke was among the first to comment, simply posting: “Love you x”. Others from the Strictly world followed, with Vito Coppola sharing a heart emoji, while Karen Carney and La Voix also showed their support.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden admitted she was struggling with the news, writing: “Not ready for this”.

Even Zoe Ball, who has been rumoured as a possible future host, weighed in with a message of encouragement. She wrote: “Oh Tess, hold tight tomorrow. You & Claud are Goddesses. so much love.”

Fans watching the countdown to the final echoed those sentiments, many insisting the show will never be the same again.

One supporter wrote: “Enjoy every minute of it xxx super proud of your magnificent achievement. Love you xxx.”

Another added: “It’s not going to be the same without you and Claud. I wish you continued success and much happiness but wish you would stay!” A third said bluntly: “Doesn’t matter who they bring in they won’t match you two.”

Tess, 56, announced earlier in the series that she would be stepping down after 21 years on the BBC flagship, closing the chapter alongside Claudia after more than a decade presenting together.

She has been part of Strictly since its very first episode in 2004, originally fronting the show alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Bruce remained by her side until his retirement in 2013, with Claudia later joining the presenting team and forming one of the most recognisable duos in British television.

The emotion has not been limited to Tess alone. Earlier on Friday, her husband Vernon Kay admitted he was struggling to hold back tears as he reflected on her time on the show, calling her run “an amazing 21 years”.

Speaking on his BBC Radio 2 show, he said:”‘She has been at the helm of that show with Bruce and with Claudia, and it’s been nothing but raucous fun. It’s been the favourite show of the nation for so long since it started, and it’s seen our two kids arrive through the show as well.”