Strictly Come Dancing stars react as Tess Daly, Claudia Winkleman quit

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have made the shock announcement that they will quit the show at the end of the current series.

The pair took to social media on Thursday to share a video explaining that they will bow out this Christmas and “pass over the baton”.

Scroll on to see a selection of reactions to the news from the judges and professionals past and present.

Anton Du Beke
“Where do I start? @tessdaly and @claudiawinkle, you two are extraordinary. Tess I remember back in 2004 in a London hotel introducing this wonderful new show Strictly Come Dancing to the world.

“You’ve been a torchbearer for our fabulous show from the beginning. But more importantly for those 20 years, you’ve been a wonderful friend and colleague. I’m going to miss you dearly on a Saturday night.

“Hand in hand with the fabulous Claudia, taking over from my hero Brucie, together you have elevated the show to unprecedented levels as the most magnificent presenting duo!

“I’m going to miss you both terribly, but whatever you choose to do in the future, I’m sure you’ll both be a huge success. I love you both. I’ll see you Saturday night and look forward to the rest of the series together.”

Motsi Mabuse
“I’m reeling from the news, Tess! You’ve left me speechless, and I’m still trying to wrap my head around it. Sending you love and best wishes, your absence will be deeply felt on Strictly. What an end of an era!”

Shirley Ballas
“I don’t even know where to begin… @tessdaly @claudiawinkle. When I joined @bbcstrictly back in 2017, it was Tess and Claudia who took me under their wings. From day one they were my guiding lights, helping me find my feet, showing me the ropes of television and doing so with kindness, patience, generosity and always with a smile.”

“I have truly never met two more remarkable ladies. Their dedication, grace, humour and sheer hard work has helped make Strictly the magical show that it is. Their energy lifts the ballroom and their friendship is truly beautiful.

“Hearing they’re leaving the ballroom has broken my heart. My dressing room sits right next to theirs and I’ll miss popping in for our little chats. Sometimes I walk in accidentally thinking their rooms are mine. Those moments have brought me such laughter and warmth over the years.

“They are the duo that hold everything together and I’ll miss them more than words can say. Thank you, my beautiful Tess and Claudia, for everything you’ve given to me, to our show and to the millions who adore you. You’ve made my time on the show so very special and you both will always be superstar women in my book. Love you both to the moon and back.

“Ps Claudia, I’m always here if you want to know even more about those fundamentals.”

Karen Hauer
“I’m so sad .. we’re going to miss you so much… won’t be the same without you.”

AJ Pritchard
“The claud-auditorium is always the highlight of ever single performance. This is so sad. You are amazing.”

Amy Dowden
“Nooooo, absolutely gutted! Our beautiful strictly queens! Thank you, from being a fan these past 21 years to joining the show you have both brought so much joy, elegance, fun and pure brilliant entertainment to the nation! Thank you! Going to miss you both so much! Welsh love always xxxx”

Aljaz Skorjanec
“Sir Bruce would have been so proud on how you carried on his legacy on @bbcstrictly! Thank you for all the beautiful memories! #didntshedowell #keepdancing”

Janette Manrara
“So sad to see the news that @claudiawinkle and @tessdaly have announced they’re stepping down as @bbcstrictly hosts. Working with them over the past 12 years has been so much fun, and they have always been extremely supportive and incredible to be around. Watching them has been immensely inspiring for me. I’m going to say the same as @aljazskorjanec here, as he put it in such beautiful words, Sir Bruce would have been so proud of how beautifully they have carried on his legacy. They’ll always be part of the Strictly family. #keepdancing ladies! Thank you for the iconic memories!”