BBC ‘can’t quite believe’ Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly exit

The BBC has reacted toClaudia WinkelmanandTess Daly’s announcement that this season of Strictly will be their last.

The pair posted a video statement on Daly’sInstagramfeed, announcing the news to fans.

‘Hi, it’s Claud and Tess. There have been some rumblings, and we want you to hear this from us,’ said Claudia in the video.

Tess added:’ We have news. After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.

‘The very sparkly baton,” Claudia interjected as they reminisced for a moment.

Following the social media announcement, the BBC has now released their official reaction.

‘I can’t quite believe I’m saying this, but it’s the end of an era with Tess and Claudia’s decision to bid farewell to the Strictly ballroom,’ said Kate Phillips, Chief Content Officer for the BBC.

‘They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond.’

The COO added in the statement to The Mirror that she nonetheless ‘understood’.

‘They’ve been integral to Strictly’s success over the last 20 years, but I understand why they’ve decided it’s time to hang up the glitter ball and get their weekends back.

‘As Craig would say, they are fab-u-lous presenters, and they are fab-u-lous friends to me and so many others at the BBC. Thank you Tess and Claud for everything, we will miss you hugely.’

The co-hosts referenced how much the show had an impact on their lives in their video statement, saying they both joined when their children were still tiny.

‘It’s been a huge part of our lives, hasn’t it? Since our children were literally babes in arms and now they’re young adults, and I think genuinely we have cherished every second,’ said Tess.

‘We have,’ said Claudia. ‘We’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and just want to thank the Strictly team because Strictly is the people who make it. So thank you.’

The pair then thanked their audience and added that they couldn’t wait for the Blackpool episode of the series, adding that this series was the ‘best’ yet.

They then teased that they were still planning to do a ‘show dance that we have long dreamt of’ to finish off their time on the series.

Why are Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving Strictly?

The statement from the duo in the caption of thesocial mediavideo read: ‘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.’

They added that they were going to see out the current series of the show, and thanked the people who worked on the show for their support.

‘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.

‘They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.

‘We will cry when we say the last “keep dancing” but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza.Tess & Claud.’

When do Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leave Strictly Come Dancing?

The hosts are set to leaveStrictly Come Dancingafter the latest series ends later this year.

The duo has been attached to the dance competition since 2004, with Tess joining the first-ever series and Claudia joining as a host of It Takes Two, the year the show debuted.

In 2010, Claudia co-presented the Sunday night results show alongside Tess. A year later, she moved away from he spin-off series to host the main show full-time with Tess.

Bruce Forsyth was also previously a host of the show and worked alongside Tess and Claudia until 2013.

Alongside Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, Tess and Claudia are the longest-standing in the franchise.

Claudia and Tess also shared separate statements about leaving the series.

Tess shouted out her late former co-host ‘Brucie’, saying his ‘warmth and showbiz magic set the tone’ of the beloved show.

She also thanked ‘Claud’ for the many years they spent working together and her gratitude to have her as a ‘friend for life.’

Claudia’s statement also thanked Tess and spoke about how she loved being just a ‘tiny’ part of the series.

‘It’s very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It’s been the greatest relationship of my career. From working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for,’ she began.

‘I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.

‘Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives – all utterly amazing.

‘I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights. As for Tess – I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.’

Fans and members of the Strictly family have been left devastated by the sudden news, with many taking to social media to share their sadness.

‘I’m reeling from the news, Tess! You’ve left me speechless, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Sending you love and best wishes ❤️your absence will be deeply felt on Strictly. What an end of an era!’ said Motsi Mabuse.

Rylan Clark commented: ‘Adore you both the world. The biggest pleasure working with you both. Pair of icons xxx❤️❤️❤️’

‘I love you both so much. Powerhouse duo. ♥️,’ said Karen Hauer.

Joanne Clifton said: ‘Omgggg …. 💔 can’t believe it ! But thankyou so much for the memories.. you two are just legends and it was a privilege to be on Strictly with you ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️’

Stacey Dooley commented: ‘BUT WHO IN LORDS NAME AM I GONNA SWOON OVER THEIR SARTORIAL SATURDAY SLAYS NOW????? ❣️❣️❣️❤️❤️❤️ HAVE THE BEST EVS LAST SEASON! 🪩🪩🪩🪩🪩’

Metro has reached out to the BBC for comment.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Saturday at 6:25pm.