Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special FIRST LOOK: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bow out of BBC show after 21 years

Strictly Come Dancing has released the first look at Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s farewell during the Christmas Special.

Earlier this year the presenting duo announced they would be leaving the show, marking the end of an era in the ballroom.

The duo said an emotional farewell at the end of the final series on Saturday, where Karen Carney won the title alongside her dance partner Carlos Gu.

But fans are in luck because Tess and Claudia will be back to host the pre-recorded festival special and oversee the Christmas celebrations on their latest outing.

Head judge Shirley Ballas will be joined by Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke.

Judges will be on hand to hand out sleigh-loads of advice and the occasional lump of coal before the studio audience casts their votes to determine the winner.

In the first look, Tess and Claudia turned heads as they posed together under the sparkly top.

Tess looked incredible in a white suit with silver sequins on her blazer, while Claudia wowed in a flowing blush long dress.

There is certainly no shortage of devoted fans, and among them is Queen Camilla, who has been following the ballroom show for years.

To celebrate Tess and Claudia’s finale on Saturday night, the pair received a truly royal send-off from the Queen herself.

During their last live show, the duo were stunned when a surprise message arrived just minutes before the results were announced.

The tribute given by long-serving judge Craig Revel Horwood, who has been a part of Strictly since its launch in 2004, was revealed to be from the Queen Consort herself.

An emotional Craig read: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to make your final return, I want to thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you every week.

‘I’ve often thought: Rather than a show strictly about dance, it’s about friendships, bonds formed, struggles overcome and the shared joy of taking on a common endeavour.

Queen Camilla pays tribute to ‘absolutely gorgeous’ Tess and Claudia as they bid tearful farewell at recent Strictly finals

An emotional Craig read the letter and admitted he was ‘nervous’, then added that it was indeed official

‘If this is true, then perhaps yours was the greatest partnership of all. The warmth, compassion and pure happiness you radiate from each other has been at the core of the show’s success.

‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you are utterly gorgeous. I wish you both success wherever your life journey takes you, but as someone who has appreciated the lifelong benefits, promise us one thing, keep dancing.

‘With my sincerest gratitude and admiration, Her Majesty Queen Camilla.’

Tess and Claudia were overwhelmed by the praise as they tried to control their emotions after the heartfelt letter.

Thanking fans, a visibly emotional Tess said: ‘I can’t talk right now. What an honor.

‘Thank you so much for your nice words, they mean a lot to us from the bottom of our hearts.’

Claudia replied: ‘This is very surprising, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you very much.

‘We loved being part of such a great show. It was a privilege to be part of your weekends.’

Dressed in a white tuxedo, Craig began: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to make your final return, I want to thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you every week.’

Craig went on to explain that Camilla sees Strictly as much more than dancing, and a show about friendships, bonds formed, struggles overcome and joys shared.

The letter ended with Queen Camilla wishing both Tess and Claudia “good luck wherever life’s journey takes you.”

Craig, known for his quick wit and pantomime persona, appeared stunned by the praise as he told the two presenters: ‘I know darlings, it’s official! From Buckingham Palace, my darling, no doubt! ‘I was a little nervous.’

Tess, 56, has co-hosted the BBC’s flagship series alongside Bruce Forsyth since its launch, while Claudia first became part of the Strictly universe with It Takes Two in before stepping into the main presenting role years later.

Earlier this year, the duo announced they would be leaving the show, ending a stint in the ballroom.

Making an emotional statement, Tess said: ‘It was definitely much more than a television programme. ‘Since the first show in 2004 I’ve felt like I had a third child, a second family and a big part of my life’. Claudia, on the other hand, described hosting the show as ‘the greatest relationship of my career’.

Speaking to the camera as they announced they were definitely leaving, Claudia began: ‘There’s been some rumblings 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.’

In its finale on Saturday night, the BBC program played a montage of footage of the two presenters over the years

Tess, 56, has co-hosted the flagship BBC series alongside Bruce Forsyth since its launch, while Claudia first became part of the Strictly universe with It Takes Two, stepping into the main presenting role after many years.

‘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.’

During Saturday night’s programme, the BBC program played a montage of footage of the couple over the years, with scores of staff paying tribute to them both.

Clips have been released over the years as they have been described as ‘groundbreaking’, ‘magnificent’, ‘icons of nations’ and ‘wonderful’.

Mary Berry also sent her good wishes: ‘What a beautiful partnership. ‘You give us joy, you give us sparkle and I wish you good luck.’

The Christmas special will air on December 25 at 17.30.

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