Tess and Claudia quit Strictly: Fans stunned as hosts announce shock exit – live updates

Strictly Come Dancing pro Dianne Buswell said ‘these ladies will be missed’ as she reposted Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s Instagram video announcement.

Former contestant and DJ Clara Amfo said:

It’s pretty surreal. Greetings to you both, it shouldn’t be radical for two women to co-host prime time TV, you two do it with great pleasure towards each other. Great respect!

Former It Takes Two host Rylan Clark said:

I adore you both so much. It is the greatest pleasure to work with you both. A pair of icons xxx.

Former Strictly professional Oti Mabuse said:

Wow! How devastating. It was incredible working with you two; Thank you so much for all the beautiful memories, for representing female presenters, for being iconic, for the laughter and family years you gave us all. You were the highlight of our weekends from the beginning! I wish you both luck – I will miss you so much!!!

Heartbroken viewers share their reactions to the shocking news on X.

Earlier this year it was claimed BBC bosses were scrambling to retain Claudia after fears emerged she would leave the soap.

Sources told Closer magazine that bosses were left ‘concerned’ about the future of the programme, adding: ‘Bosses are worried that the absence of celebrities will negatively impact ratings and are counting on Claudia to steady the ship behind the scenes.

‘He is the face that the people trust. It’s hugely popular and they know it’s the safest hand they have. But the truth is he’s under huge pressure and fears are growing that all of this could lead to him quitting the show.’

The source added that Claudia “loved” working on Strictly but felt “nervous” and was “wondering if something had to give” in her career.

The presenters, who have been presenting the BBC One dance competition together since 2014, broke the news to fans on Instagram on Thursday.

Claudia, 53, and Tess, 56, who first joined the series in 2004, were seen sitting next to each other in the clip, which confirmed their split.

Speaking to the camera, Claudia began: ‘There was some noise and we want you to hear it from us.’

Tess chimed in: ‘We’ve got news, after 21 wonderful and joyful years Absolutely, we’ve decided it’s time to step aside and pass the baton.’

‘Very sparkly baton!’ Claudia laughed and turned to her co-star and friend, adding: ‘You’ve been here from the beginning.’

Tess replied, pointing at Claudia: ‘With Bruce, lovely Bruce [Forsyth]and that was over twenty years ago but most of that time was spent with you.

‘Our kids have been a huge part of our lives since they were literally babies in our arms, now they’re adults, and I think we’ve really cherished every second.’

Claudia continued: ‘We’re so lucky to be a part of this amazing show and we’d like to thank the Strictly team because Strictly are the people who make it.’

The duo wrote the following under the video:

We loved working as a duo and hosting was an absolute dream.

We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We’re looking forward to watching the rest of this amazing series and we’d like to say a huge thank you to the BBC and everyone who worked on the programme.

They are the brightest team and we will miss them every day. We’ll cry at the last “keep dancing” but we’ll keep saying it to each other. Probably at home wearing sweatpants and holding a pizza.

Good morning and welcome to our live broadcast where Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announce they will be leaving the show later this year.

Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates and reactions to this breaking news.