Get ready for a Strictly shocker! Tess Daly is trading her hosting mic for dancing shoes in her final appearance on the show. Yes, you heard that right—the beloved co-host of Strictly Come Dancing is set to dazzle us with an Argentine tango alongside professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec during the highly anticipated Christmas special. But here's where it gets even more emotional: this festive episode marks the last time Daly and her long-time co-presenter, Claudia Winkleman, will share the stage together, following their October announcement.
For Daly, 56, this isn’t just a dance—it’s a special Christmas gift from the judging panel, including Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke. And while Daly’s tango is stealing the spotlight, Winkleman, 53, isn’t sitting this one out. She’ll star in a hilarious parody of the classic Christmas film Love Actually, complete with a heartwarming nod to the iconic scene where Andrew Lincoln’s character declares his love for Keira Knightley. Picture this: Winkleman opens a door to Dave Arch, the Strictly band’s composer, holding placards that read, “Say it’s carol singers” and “To me, you are perfect.” Cue the festive feels!
But let’s not forget the emotional rollercoaster Daly and Winkleman experienced during their final regular episode last Saturday. The Strictly team surprised them with a tear-jerking montage of their best moments over the years, topped off by a special message from none other than Queen Camilla. And this is the part most people miss: the tribute, delivered by Craig Revel Horwood, wasn’t just about their hosting skills—it celebrated the friendship and joy they brought to the show. Queen Camilla’s words were nothing short of poetic, praising their “warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness” as the heart of Strictly’s success. Daly’s reaction? “I can’t speak now. What an honour.”
Now, here’s where it gets controversial: Is Strictly truly about the dancing, or is it about the connections we make along the way? Revel Horwood hinted at this in his tribute, suggesting that Daly and Winkleman’s partnership might be the greatest in Strictly history. But what do you think? Is the show’s magic in the steps or the stories behind them? Let’s debate in the comments!
Beyond the hosts’ farewell, the Christmas special is packed with festive fun. Six celebrities will compete for the champion title, including TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, All Saints’ Melanie Blatt, and EastEnders’ Nicholas Bailey. Joining them are Babatunde Aleshe, Westlife’s Brian McFadden, and Gladiator Jodie Ounsley, each paired with a professional dancer. While the judges will score the performances, the ultimate winner will be decided by the studio audience—so expect some surprises!
Mark your calendars: the Strictly Christmas special airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 5:30 pm on Christmas Day. Whether you’re tuning in for the dances, the nostalgia, or the controversy, one thing’s for sure—this episode is not to be missed. And remember, as Queen Camilla wisely advised, “Keep dancing.”
