Tess Daly shares tribute to Strictly 'family' on final rehearsal day

Tess Daly has marked her last day of rehearsals on Strictly Come Dancing with an emotional post as she paid tribute to the show's crew.

The presenter, 56, announced earlier in the series how she would be stepping down as host after 21 years, exiting with her co-star Claudia Winkleman. 

Tess, 56, has been part of the series since it's very first episode back in 2004 where she presented alongside the late Bruce Forsyth.

Sir Bruce - who died in 2017 - starred alongside her until his retirement in 2013, when Claudia then took over.

Ahead of Saturday night's grand finale - and her last ever live show - Tess has taken to Instagram to share the sweet gesture the Strictly crew did for her as she paid tribute to them.

She first shared a snap from the iconic set as the crew lined up for a group snap, with Tess writing: 'My last day of rehearsals, my heart is so full, the Strictly family I’ll have forever.' 

Tess then revealed she arrived to the studio to find her dressing room had been decorated ahead of final.

She could be seen beaming as she sat down surrounded by pictures from over the years stuck to the wall under a banner that read: 'Thank you for the memories'.

There was also a selection of colourful sweet treats on the coffee table, which was decorated with silver and gold confetti.

Earlier on Friday, Vernon Kay choked back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to his wife. 

Vernon, 51, reflected on the incredible years Tess has had on the show and said he will struggle to fight back the tears while watching in the audience.

Speaking on his BBC Radio 2 show, he said: 'It's Tess' last Strictly on Saturday and I can't say too much because I'm going to get really emotional, but it's been an amazing 21 years. 

'She has been at the helm of that show with Bruce and with Claudia and it's been nothing but raucous fun. It's been the favorite show of the nation for so long since it started and it's seen our two kids arrived through the show as well.

'Phoebe was in the belly during the first series and now she's 21. She's gonna be in the audience for the last show.

'Strictly Come Dancing, it's not just Tess, it's not just Claudia and it wasn't Tess and Bruce, it's the whole team. The whole team have made it such a joy to work on and I've just observed from the outside you know what I mean?

'I've just been kind of swept up by the whirlwind that is Strictly Come Dancing and I've just got to say congratulations on an amazing run, it does feel like we've lost a friend, but what she has achieved on that show is exceptional.

'Two women at the helm of the BBC's most successful entertainment show, some might say quite possibly of all time the fact that it's been on telly for 21 years.

'So Tess, you have a great great weekend and you deserve everything that's coming your way - the celebrations, the tears of joy, the hugs, the popping of the corks you well and truly deserve it because 21 years in entertainment is no mean feat, I mean it.

'Bravo you, lots of love from all of us all - she's not listening, she's in rehearsal but someone will play back to her you know what I mean?

'I can't wait and if you are going to watch Strictly Come Dancing the final on Saturday, look out for me in the background, I will be pulling some funny faces as usual.

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Vernon Kay holds back tears as he shares emotional tribute to wife Tess Daly ahead of Strictly exit

'I'll try and hide my tears but I think that's gonna be virtually impossible from start to finish. 21 years it's been in our family it's bonkers, it really is.' 

Footballer Karen Carney also paid tribute to Tess and Claudia, sharing a snap of them both and writing: 'Tomorrow is a big day for all of us but in particular for these two absolute legends.

'I just wanted to say thank you really. Thank you for making such a special experience not just for us but for everyone who has been on or watched the show over the years.

'Strictly won’t be the same without you and it’s so sad to see you go but we all love you loads and are wishing you all the best for what comes next.' 

Tess and Claudia were surprised with an emotional tribute during last Sunday's results show.

And in honour of their time on the dancing competition, the judging panel surprised the duo with a moving video compilation of all their best bits.

Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke joined Claudia in the Clauditorium for a debrief ahead of the results of the public vote.

But they then called on Tess to join them, as Craig revealed the judges wanted to take the opportunity to pay them tribute, saying: 'We just want to tell you how much we're going to miss you and how much we love you to bits.'

He then quipped: 'I personally, want to say thank you Clauds for the dresses and the shoes you've thrown my way and to you Tess, for all the pizza parties in your dressing room'.

A touched Tess and Claudia then became choked-up as they were presented with a VT of their time on the show, with comments from each of the judges.