{"id":145657,"date":"2025-10-26T04:22:30","date_gmt":"2025-10-26T04:22:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/145657\/"},"modified":"2025-10-26T04:22:30","modified_gmt":"2025-10-26T04:22:30","slug":"tess-daly-and-claudia-winkleman-return-to-strictly-for-the-first-time-since-announcing-their-exits-as-they-emotionally-address-viewers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/145657\/","title":{"rendered":"Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return to Strictly for the first time since announcing their exits as they emotionally address viewers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tess Daly<\/a> and Claudia Winkleman<\/a> have made their return to live TV as they opened Strictly on Saturday night for the first time since announcing they are leaving the show.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The iconic duo made history as the BBC<\/a>‘s first female presenting duo, but this week they sent shockwaves through the nation after they shared the news that the current series will be their last.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Speaking to viewers, Tess said at the top of the show: ‘Just before we get started tonight, Claud and I announced this week that this will be our last series of Strictly Come Dancing<\/a>.’<\/p>\n

As the audience erupted, Claudia continued: ‘We want to thank you for your beautiful messages.<\/p>\n

‘We’ve got another eight weeks on this incredible show and a Strictly champion to crown.’<\/p>\n

Tess concluded: ‘And we cannot wait to spend the rest of the series with you, with our amazing couples and these four [the judges].’<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The iconic duo made history as the BBC’s first female presenting duo, but this week they sent shockwaves through the nation after they shared that the current series will be their last\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

The pair addressed their exit at the top of the show, as Claudia said:\u00a0‘We want to thank you for your beautiful messages. We’ve got another eight weeks on this incredible show’<\/p>\n

\"Taking <\/p>\n

Taking to Instagram to confirm the news on Thursday on their respective social media platforms, Tess and Claudia shared a video as they sat side by side explaining their decision\u00a0<\/p>\n

Performing first for Icons Week was Lewis Cope and his pro partner Katya Jones as they danced a\u00a0Quickstep to Ring Of Fire by Johnny Cash, earning 34 points.<\/p>\n

Up next was\u00a0Karen and Carlos as they took on a Rumba to Think Twice by C\u00e9line Dion.<\/p>\n

Karen admitted she was ‘a bit gutted’ after a mishap during the dance, leaving her visibly upset. Claudia leaned in to grab her hand, saying: ‘No baby, I don’t want you to be upset.’ Despite the blunder, the judges gave the pair 28 points.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Following them was\u00a0Ellie and Vito – as they danced a Salsa to a Spice Girls medley.<\/p>\n

Craig told her how she needed more ‘hip action’ which drew heavy boos from the crowd.<\/p>\n

‘You are growing with this competition and you are a force,’ said Motsi as Ellie’s face lit up and the audience cheered.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The actress was left stunned as Baby Spice Emma Bunton appeared on screen with a recorded video message as she hailed her their ‘favourite’.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As they digested the message, Tess introduced Alex Kingston and Johannes with their Foxtrot to Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Performing first for Icons Week was Lewis Cope and his pro partner Katya Jones as they danced a Quickstep to Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash, earning 34 points<\/p>\n

\"Karen <\/p>\n

Karen and Carlos as they took on a Rumba to Think Twice by C\u00e9line Dion.<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Karen admitted she was ‘a bit gutted’ after a mishap during the dance, leaving her visibly upset as Claudia leaned in to comfort her<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Ellie\u00a0Goldstein transformed into Baby Spice as she danced a Salsa with her pro-partner Vito to a Spice Girls medley\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Emma \"Ellie <\/p>\n

The actress was left stunned as Baby Spice Emma Bunton appeared on screen with a recorded video message as she hailed her their ‘favourite’<\/p>\n

Strictly: Week five scores <\/p>\n

Lewis and Katya – 34 points<\/p>\n

Vicky and kai – 33 points<\/p>\n

Amber and Nikita – 33 points<\/p>\n

Alex and Johannes – 32 points<\/p>\n

Harry and Karen – 30 points<\/p>\n

Jimmy and Lauren – 30 points<\/p>\n

Karen and Carlos – 28 points<\/p>\n

Ellie and Vito – 28 points<\/p>\n

Balvinder and Julian – 28 points<\/p>\n

La Voix and Aljaz – 28 points<\/p>\n

George and Alexis – 27 points\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

With a nine from Anton, they scored a total of 38 points.<\/p>\n

George and Alexis’ Jive to As It Was by Harry Styles was branded ‘flat-footed’ by Craig, though Motsi said he was ‘improving each week’.<\/p>\n

Before his score of 27 was announced, George told Claudia: ‘I feel like I’m not getting closer to be happy with it, so it’s getting a bit annoying.’<\/p>\n

Vicky Pattison and her partner Kai performed a Couple’s Choice to Fight For This Love by Cheryl.<\/p>\n

The Geordie star was praised by the judges who all agreed it was her best performance of the series.<\/p>\n

Motsi said: ‘I’ve never seen you perform better, this was your best dance.’<\/p>\n

Vicky was left speechless when Claudia revealed Cheryl had recorded a video message, as the singer appeared on screen saying: ‘Hey, it’s Cheryl here.<\/p>\n

‘I first of all wanted to say congratulations on your Strictly success this far. You’ve been doing amazing.<\/p>\n

\"Vicky <\/p>\n

Vicky Pattison and her partner Kai performed a Couple’s Choice to Fight For This Love by Cheryl which was praised by the judges<\/p>\n

\"Vicky <\/p>\n

Vicky was left speechless when Claudia revealed Cheryl had recorded a video message, as the singer appeared on screen<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Alex Kingston and Johannes with their Foxtrot to Here You Come Again by Dolly Parton<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Balvinder and Julian performed a Quickstep to Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyonc\u00e9, earning 28 points<\/p>\n

‘I’m very honored and humbled to be your chosen icon for this week. I know you’ve got it in you, cos you’re a Geordie.<\/p>\n

‘So go out there, fight for your place, and I’m sending you loads of love. I’ll be rooting for you from home.’<\/p>\n

The show continued with\u00a0Balvinder and Julian performing Quickstep to Texas Hold ‘Em by Beyonc\u00e9, earning 28 points.<\/p>\n

Harry and Karen’s Argentine Tango to Caught Up by Usher left the judges divided, though they scored a total of 30 points.<\/p>\n

Embracing her inner Ariana Grande, Amber Davies and Nikita danced a Cha Cha Cha to Break Free by the hitmaker.<\/p>\n

Jimmy Floyd his pro partner Lauren performed American Smooth in the ballroom to Purple Rain by Prince.<\/p>\n

Closing the show, was\u00a0La Voix and Alja\u017e as they transformed into Cher for a Salsa to the icon’s hit Strong Enough.<\/p>\n

\"Harry <\/p>\n

Harry and Karen’s Argentine Tango to Caught Up by Usher left the judges divided, though they scored a total of 30 points<\/p>\n

\"Embracing <\/p>\n

Embracing her inner Ariana Grande, Amber Davies and Nikita danced a Cha Cha Cha to Break Free by the hitmaker<\/p>\n

\"Jimmy <\/p>\n

Jimmy Floyd his pro partner Lauren performed American Smooth in the ballroom to Purple Rain by Prince<\/p>\n

\"Closing <\/p>\n

Closing the show, was La Voix and Alja\u017e as they transformed into Cher for a Salsa to the icon’s hit Strong Enough<\/p>\n

\"During <\/p>\n

During the show, Claudia and Tess took the opportunity to enjoy a dance during the show\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The pair looked happier than ever despite this season\u00a0 of the show being their last as a presenting duo<\/p>\n

\"The <\/p>\n

The pair cut a glamarous display for the episode as Tess stepped out in a blue satin jumpsuit while Claudia wore a white shirt and flared trousers<\/p>\n

\"Tess <\/p>\n

Tess and Claduai proved their friendship was stronger than ever as they embraced eachother with a hug back stage<\/p>\n

\"Tess <\/p>\n

Tess also shared a series of snaps to Instagram as she confessed: ‘One of my favourite weeks of the season ICONS WEEK’<\/p>\n

After a standing ovation from the crowd, they earned 28 points from the judges, marking a major bounce back from last week’s performance.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Strictly will continue on Sunday night where the bottom two celebrities will face the dreaded dance off before one is eliminated from the ballroom.<\/p>\n

‘I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know) and the complete thrill and honour it was to work with Tess on the results show to cohosting on Saturday nights.<\/p>\n

‘Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have made their return to live TV as they opened Strictly on Saturday…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":145658,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[268],"tags":[3412,434,48014,118,18,117,19,17,59584,3251,438],"class_list":{"0":"post-145657","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-celebrities","8":"tag-bbc","9":"tag-celebrities","10":"tag-claudia-winkleman","11":"tag-dailymail","12":"tag-eire","13":"tag-entertainment","14":"tag-ie","15":"tag-ireland","16":"tag-tess-daly","17":"tag-the-traitors","18":"tag-tvshowbiz"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@ie\/115438561282160518","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=145657"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/145657\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/145658"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=145657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=145657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=145657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}