Producers behind Claudia Winkleman's upcoming chat show REVEALED

Claudia Winkleman's new BBC chat show following her shock decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing will be made by the company that produces The Graham Norton Show.

The Daily Mail exclusively revealed Winkleman's plans as she announced both she and presenter Tess Daley were leaving the dance show after hosting it for 11 years together.

Now it can be revealed that So Television, the production company founded by Norton and business partner Graham Stuart, will be making Winkleman's series, which telly chiefs believe could make her the new Terry Wogan.

Talks have been on-going for several weeks about finalising the deal with the BBC, although sources told industry publication Deadline that they are now at an "advanced stage."

The BBC are confident that the new, yet-to-be named Winkleman show can go on to enjoy huge ratings success, with the idea being it is broadcast when The Graham Norton Show is off air.

Traitors host Winkleman was widely praised for her performance, when she stood in for Norton earlier this year, when he was on a break from BBC work.

But with Claudia and Tess gone, a huge question mark hangs over Strictly, who will fill their shoes in 2026?

Hannah Waddingham is a new big name to have been thrown into the mix, as she joins the likes of Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball who are already acquainted with the show.

Will the BBC favour another all-female line up with the return of Mel and Sue? Or will it be a chance for power couple Emma Willis and her husband Matt to take the reins?

In their joint statement, Claudia and Tess wrote: 'We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. 

'We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time. We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.'

Despite rumours suggesting that it was Claudia who decided to go, with Tess following suit to avoid the humiliation of being left behind, friends of the pair say they began discussing the idea of leaving a year ago and were 'in cahoots' every step of the way.

'It's tiring for them,' reveals one source. 'It's a long show – hours of live television every Saturday night – which has consumed their lives for many years now. It's all-consuming – and they hit that point together.'

In her own statement, Tess added: 'After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.  

'It's hard to put it into words what this show has meant to me, so here goes...

'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 first show back in 2004.

'I knew then it was something special, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring. 

'Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together, and I'm so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.

'I have always been in awe of our superbly talented professional dancers, our magnificent judges, and all the celebrities who have taken part. 

'I absolutely adore our brilliant crew, every single member of the Strictly team who have worked so tirelessly to make this show what it is.  

'Thank you for the laughter, the friendship, the countless memories over all these years. You've filled my heart in ways I'll never forget. I'll miss you all so much. 

'And to you, the viewers at home, the biggest thank you of all, thank you for welcoming us into your homes for over two decades.

'To my beloved Claud, what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you. You're one of a kind, and I'll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we've shared.

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'This isn't a goodbye to glitter, sequins or Saturday night sparkle (I could never say goodbye to those!). Strictly will forever hold a special place in my heart, but it does feel like the right time to hand over the reins.'

Claudia went on to post a series of behind-the-scenes snaps of her and Tess working together on the show as she too paid tribute to her time on the series. 

She penned: 'It's very difficult to put into words exactly what Strictly has meant to me. It's been the greatest relationship of my career. 

'From working on It Takes Two in 2004 until now it has been my everything, the show I will be eternally grateful for.

'I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don't know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.

'Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it's been a privilege to be a tiny part of it. 

'The extraordinary talent of the dancers, the band, the hair and makeup and costume teams, the unbelievable production crew and creatives - all utterly amazing. 

'I've always believed it's best to leave a party before you're fully ready to go and I know the new hosts will be magnificent, I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights. 

'As for Tess - I'm so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You're funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you.'