Strictly's Tess Daly grips Claudia Winkleman's hand in backstage snaps

Tess Daly looked more radiant than ever before in a slew of behind-the-scenes snaps with pal Claudia Winkleman from their last ever Strictly Come Dancing show.

The two presenters said their emotional goodbyes to the BBC series during Saturday's grand finale, where ex-footballer Karen Carney and pro partner Carlos Gu were crowned this year's champions.

Taking to social media after the cameras stopped rolling, Tess, 56, shared a number of photos of her getting ready to host her final show, after fronting the competition for a mammoth 21 years and 216 days.

The star as been part of the series since its very first episode back in 2004 where she presented alongside the late Bruce Forsyth, with Claudia taking over from Sir Bruce when he retired in 2013.

The two women have become close friends in their years presenting together and their bond was evident in Tess' backstage snaps, which showed her gripping tightly to Claudia's hand as they made their way to the ballroom floor.

Tess dazzled in a one-shouldered sequinned gown with a thigh-high slit, while Claudia wore her iconic black blazer with the famous catchphrase: 'Keep Dancing' emblazoned on the back.

Other shots showed Tess larking about with dancer Aljaž Škorjanec, before he escorted her down the famous Strictly stairs.

And she also posed for beaming snaps with some of the crew, including executive producer, Sarah James, captioning the post: 'You better believe we’re gonna keep dancing ❤️ #LastDance'.

While she later shared an emotional tribute to the Strictly viewers, thanking them for 'for the memories of a lifetime'.

Alongside behind-the-scenes footage of her with Claudia during the show, she penned: 'So that’s a wrap. What an incredible Final - fitting for what, for me, has been an absolutely brilliant series.

'Strictly is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda. That love is down to every single member of the brilliant team that makes it, because to none of them is it just a job. It is a gift, and it is truly treasured. 

'I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you.

'I’ll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been. 

'It has been the most wonderful privilege to have shared it with you all for so many years. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories of a lifetime.'

Tess was flooded with comments from celebrity pals as Rylan Clark wrote: 'Love you both so much. Irreplaceable' and Zoe Ball added: 'Bravo Tess. you're an absolute Goddess.' 

Claudia also took to her Instagram stories to share a selection of Strictly-themed cakes that had been delivered to her.

She also posed with her team backstage in her dressing room, before sharing a picture with the Strictly producers.

Meanwhile, It Takes Two host Janette Manrara also took to her Instagram to share her congratulations to Karen and Carlos, as well pay tribute to 'our icons' Tess and Claudia.

Sharing a slew of photos from the final with her husband and fellow dancer Aljaž, and a video of La Voix sweeping up the confetti, she penned: 'What a @bbcstrictly Final! So many tears and so much joy! 

'Well done to all our finalist, and a huge congratulations to our 2025 Strictly Champions @kazcarney and @gkx_carlos!! 

'A beautiful send off as well for our icons @tessdaly and @claudiawinkle. We love you. And special mention to @lavoixtheshow for tidying up. 2025…. Over and out!'

Janette's post comes after she addressed the speculation that she could take over the Strictly hosting gig from Tess and Claudia.

Appearing on BBC Breakfast just hours before the final on Saturday, she was quizzed about whether she'd be up for the role.

She admitted: 'Who doesn't want that job? It's the best job if you work in entertainment, if you love warm, happy, family, fun, entertainment. I think it's the best job in the world that anybody would love to have.'

There were a number of emotional tributes to the Claudia and Tess during Saturday's final including a special compilation video with messages from the Strictly crew and Mary Berry.

And the pair were left blown away after being surprised by a letter from Queen Camilla herself, which was read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood.

It said: '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.' 

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.'

The duo announced their exits in a joint video on Instagram in October, saying the time had come to 'pass over the baton' as they shared their gratitude for being able to take part in the 'amazing show.'

Claudia began: 'There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us', as Tess continued: '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: 'With Bruce, lovely Bruce [Forsyth], and that was over two decades ago but a lot of the time has been with you. 

'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 concluded: '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.'