Tess Daly Overwhelmed with Emotion in Final Strictly Filming

Tess Daly, co-host of the popular BBC series Strictly Come Dancing, was visibly emotional during the filming of the show’s Christmas special, marking her last appearance on the program. Alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman, Daly announced their departure from the show in October, confirming they would complete the current series but providing no specific reasons for stepping down.

The festive episode, scheduled to air later this month, features several celebrity performances, including a special Argentine Tango involving Daly and former professional dancer Anton du Beke. This marks Daly’s first return to the dance floor since 2008, when she participated in a Children in Need special.

During the recording, audience members noted the poignant atmosphere as the hosts prepared for their final segment. As they shared their iconic sign-off, “keeeeeep dancing,” both Daly and Winkleman struggled to maintain their composure, leading to an emotional moment that resonated deeply with the audience.

According to an audience member who spoke to the Mirror, “Tess and Claudia looked pretty choked as they grabbed hold of each other’s hands. They were fighting hard to hold it together, but it was clear they were saying that iconic catchphrase with more emotion than ever before.” Another insider reported that Daly was wiping away tears between takes, although she maintained her poise for the cameras.

The judges of the show, including Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton du Beke, presented Daly with a farewell gift, adding to the sentiment of the occasion. Audience members were thrilled to witness Daly’s dance performance with Aljaz, noting that she executed the steps flawlessly, showcasing her preparation for this special moment.

The upcoming Christmas special will also feature performances from notable celebrities including Scarlett Moffatt, who will dance the Cha Cha Cha with Vito Coppola, and Melanie Blatt of All Saints, who will perform an American Smooth with her partner Kai Widdrington. Other participants include Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, comedian Babatunde Aleshe, and Nicholas Bailey from EastEnders, each bringing their own flair to the festive dance lineup.

As the final episodes draw near, the emotional farewell from Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman signifies the conclusion of an era for Strictly Come Dancing, a show that has captivated audiences since its inception in 2004. With memories and heartfelt moments, the upcoming special promises to be a fitting tribute to their time on the show.