Strictly fans left in ‘floods of tears’ at Tess and Claudia’s final goodbye

Strictly Come Dancing fans are choking up after Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s last farewell in the 2025 Christmas special last night.

The festive BBC episode saw Scarlett Moffatt and her professional dance partner Vito Coppola lift the Glitterball trophy after dancing a Cha Cha to Cher’s DJ Play A Christmas Song.

Although co-hosts Tess and Claudia shared their live goodbye in the season finale of the main series earlier this month, their actual final appearance (pre-recorded) took place in last night’s episode.

After celebrating Vito and Scarlett’s victory, the dynamic duo (who have been hosting the show together since 2014) took to the dancefloor to sign off the show, one last time.

‘Thank you again for watching us over the years, it has meant the world to us,’ Tess said.

‘Now there’s just one thing left to do, come on Tess,’ Claudia shared, grabbing Tess’s hand.

‘One very final time Claud,’ Tess told her. ‘So let’s make it count,’ Claudia poignantly replied.

Then the pair turned to the camera for the show’s trademark catchphrase: ‘Keeepp dancing!’ as Mariah Carey’s, All I Want For Christmas Is You, started playing, and the pair joined everyone else to do a boogie.

‘End of an era’

‘KEEEEEP DANCING FOR THE VERY LAST TIME. Farewell, Claudia and Tess,’ X user supertv wrote, with several crying emojis.

‘Tess and Claudia sign off with ‘Keeeeeep dancing’ for the very last time,’ Shaky echoed with a tear. ‘It’s offically the end of an era! Thank you Tess and Claudia for the memories,’ RyanGlendenning said.

‘The final “keep dancing”.. no one talk to me,’ Chloe shared, heartbroken.

‘I’m going to miss Tess and Claudia so much,’ Shane added.

‘It’s not gonna feel the same again. We are gonna miss you both so much. Thank you both for the joy you brought to our Saturday nights and Xmas’s over the years,’ Ayla agreed.

The entire last episode was declared ’emotional’ and ‘understated but perfect’.

Heartfelt wishes

Elsewhere, Tess hit the ballroom floor for the first time since 2008 with Slovenian dancer, Aljaž Škorjanec, to perform the Argentine Tango.

In another sweet moment, the Traitors icon did a Love Actually parody with Dave Arch, the composer of the Strictly band.

The presenter was greeted by Arch, 63, holding large placards which read ‘say it’s carol singers’ and ‘to me, you are perfect’.

In their final live show last week, both of them were brought to tears when shown a heartfelt montage from friends and fans reflecting on their time on the show.

It ended on a sweet message from Queen Camilla thanking them for entertaining the nation for over a decade together.

Tess said: ‘Thank you so much to you all for your lovely words, it has meant the world. At the time, Claudia added: ‘It’s been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you.’

Although we are yet to see who will replace Tess and Claudia when the show returns next year, we will be seeing the latter back on our screens before long.

She will be hosting hit show The Traitors on New Year’s Day, and we can expect plenty of twists and turns as we enter the fourth season.

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special 2025 is streaming on BBC iPlayer now.

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