Tess Daly Reflects on Journey as She Prepares to Exit Strictly

Tess Daly, the beloved host of *Strictly Come Dancing*, made a heartfelt admission during a special episode of *It Takes Two*, revealing that she is still processing her upcoming departure from the show. Daly and co-host Claudia Winkleman announced their decision to step down from the programme at the conclusion of the current series, a move that has surprised fans since they have been the face of the BBC show since 2014.

The duo shared their journey on *It Takes Two* on December 9, where Daly expressed her mixed emotions about the impending finale. She stated, “We haven’t had time to think about it because we’ve been so into this series, so absorbed by it.” The final episode is scheduled for December 20, and Daly acknowledged, “I think it’s going to be a bit of a shock.”

Daly’s emotional farewell comes after an impressive 21 years with the *Strictly* franchise. She took to Instagram earlier to express her gratitude, stating, “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to *Strictly Come Dancing*.” She described the show as more than just a television programme, calling it “like having a third child, a second family.”

Reflecting on the programme’s impact, Daly added, “Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and bringing people together.” She emphasized her pride in having contributed to a show that holds such significance for many viewers.

As the show has grown since its inception in 2004, Daly recalled its humble beginnings, stating, “When we first started, it was a lot smaller. The studio was tiny, there was literally one glitter curtain behind the judges, and that was it!” This evolution mirrors the increasing popularity of *Strictly Come Dancing*, which has become a staple of Saturday night entertainment in the UK.

In the special episode, Winkleman added a light-hearted note to their reflections, saying, “I think we will be emotional, but of course, it won’t be about us, it’ll be about the winners.” Daly chimed in with a smile, “We’re not allowed to cry.” Following this, Winkleman affirmed their bond, stating, “But afterwards, we will hold each other very tight and cry. It’s a lot.”

The episode also featured tributes to their late co-host, Sir Bruce Forsyth, who originally presented the show alongside Daly from its launch in 2004. In a touching moment, Daly received a heartfelt video message from Forsyth’s wife, Wilnelia Merced, further highlighting the show’s significant history and emotional connections.

As the duo prepares for their final show, they expressed excitement for the current series while reminiscing about their journey. *Strictly Come Dancing* continues to be available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, ensuring that fans can relive the magic that Daly and Winkleman have helped cultivate over their years on the show.