Strictly Christmas Special: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman bow out

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

Earlier this year, the presenting duo announced they would be stepping down from the show, marking the end of an era on the ballroom floor.

The pair said their emotional goodbyes at the end of the latest series on Saturday, which saw Karen Carney crowned champion alongside her dance partner Carlos Gu.

However, fans are in luck, as Tess and Claudia will return to host the pre-recorded  festive special, overseeing the Christmas celebrations for their last outing.

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

The judges will be on hand to deliver sleigh-loads of advice and the occasional lump of coal, before the studio audience casts its votes to decide the winner.

In a first-look image, Tess and Claudia turned heads as they posed together beneath the glitterball.

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

Strictly has no shortage of devoted fans, and among them is Queen Camilla, who has followed the ballroom show for years.

And to mark Tess and Claudia last final on Saturday night, the pair received a truly royal send off from the Queen herself.

During their final live show, the pair were left stunned when a surprise message arrived just moments before the results were revealed.

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

An emotional Craig read: 'Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.

'I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.

'If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success.

'I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life's journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.

'With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.'

Tess and Claudia were overwhelmed by the tribute as they struggled to contain their emotion after the heartfelt letter.

Thanking fans, a visibly emotional Tess said: 'I can't speak now. What an honour.

'Thank you so much for your lovely words, from the bottom of the hearts it means so much to us.'

Claudia replied: 'That is amazing, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much.

'We have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It has been a privilege to be a part of your weekends.'

Craig, who is known for his quick wit and pantomime persona, appeared overwhelmed by the accolade as he told the two hosts: 'I know darlings, it's official! From Buckingham palace no doubt darling ! I was a bit nervous.'

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

Earlier this year, the pair announced they would be leaving the show, bringing an end to an era on the ballroom floor.

In an emotional statement, Tess said: 'Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It's felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004' while Claudia described hosting the show as 'the greatest relationship of my career.'

Speaking to the camera as they announced their Strictly exits, Claudia began: 'There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us.'

Tess chimed in: '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 laughed, before turning to her co-star and pal to add: 'You've been here since the beginning.'

Tess replied, pointing to Claudia: 'With Bruce, lovely Bruce [Forsyth], and that was over two decades ago but a lot of the time has been with you.

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Queen Camilla pays tribute to Strictly's 'utterly fabulous' Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman

'It's been a huge part of our lives since our children were literally babes in arms, and now they're adults, and I think genuinely we have cherished every second.'

Claudia continued: 'We have, we're so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and we just want to thank the Strictly team, because Strictly is the people who make it.'

On Saturday night's show, the BBC show played a montage of footage of the pair over the years, with lots of staff members paying tribute to them both.

As they were described as 'ground breaking', 'fabulous', 'the nations icons', and 'awesome', clips from over the years aired.

Mary Berry also appeared passing on her well wishes: 'What a partnership. You give us joy, you give us sparkle and I wish you well.'

The Christmas special is set to air on December 25 at 5:30pm. 

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JODIE OUNSLEY

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BABATUNDE ALESHE 

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NICHOLAS BAILEY

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