Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stunned TV fans when they announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing, with the current series being their last
The British public where shocked last week when Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced they would both be leaving the iconic BBC programme.
Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, have hosted the programme together since 2014, with the former being a part of the show’s presenting line up since 2004.
Last week, the pair appeared on Strictly for the first time since their announcement and addressed the news.
Claudia, who also hosts The Traitors and Celebrity Traitors, said: “We want to thank you for your beautiful messages.
“We’ve got another eight weeks on this incredible show and a Strictly champion to crown. We can’t wait to spend the rest of the series with you.”
However, following their announcement, there has been speculation about what both presenters might do next, and whether they will seek new ventures.
Speaking to Hello! about whether she might join Claudia on The Celebrity Traitors, Tess joked that she didn’t think it would suit her.
She said: “I might not be very good at it because I do the world’s worst poker face. And with Claudia there, I would be looking at her to give me a secret signal.”
Also during the interview, Tess, who was awarded an MBE for services to broadcasting earlier this year, said that despite her professional success, her biggest role has been as a mother to daughters Phoebe and Amber, who she shares with Vernon Kay.
She explained: “I love being a mum, and it’s what’s defined me for the past 20 years, but I also love my work and I’m proud of the career that I’ve achieved.
“I’ve never wanted to miss out on my children’s lives as they grow, and I’ve never wanted to hand over that role to anyone else because I treasure it too much.”
In fact, it is Tess’ MBE that one TV source suggested to the Mirror may have played a role in her and Claudia’s decision to leave the show.
Last week, they said: “The feeling is Tess and Claudia wanted to go out at the top and whilst the show is still huge and shortly after they received MBEs.
“Announcing it mid series also gives them a bit of a swan-song and doesn’t take the spotlight away from the winner.
“Claudia is right at her career peak with The Traitors and other TV offers flooding in. Tess has been hosting the show for more than two decades and like that idea of more weekends with her family and her friends.”