BBC Strictly viewers speculate Tess Daly could return as contestant after emotional final dance

Instead, he revealed Ms Daly herself would take to the dancefloor, before professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec joined her for the surprise routine.

The 56-year-old presenter’s festive performance sparked an outpouring of admiration on social media, with one viewer calling it their "TV highlight of 2025".

The unexpected appearance has also fuelled speculation that Ms Daly could make a dramatic return to the BBC show, this time as a contestant rather than host.

"Plot twist: Tess Daly is leaving Strictly to come back next year as a contestant," one viewer wrote on X.

Another suggested the BBC should "sign her up for next year" after watching her brief but impressive routine alongside Mr Škorjanec.

"Her conTESStant era looms next year folks," (sic) one fan suggested, while another added: "Tess did win the Strictly Special Comic Relief a few years back with Anton, so could happen."

Furthermore, one viewer likened the moment to a Star Wars scene, posting: "TESS GOT A DANCE IN BEFORE SHE LEFT THIS IS LIKE WHEN YODA GOT HIS LIGHTSABER OUT." (sic)

However, others noted the significance of Ms Daly finally performing her favourite dance style as a parting gift.

"Tess doing the Argentine tango with Aljaž that she’s always wanted to do, the best leaving gift for her," one user wrote.

Ms Daly’s departure marks the end of a remarkable 21-year tenure, having fronted the programme since its launch in 2004 alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Announcing her exit in October, the presenter described Strictly as feeling like "a third child, a second family" and said she could never have imagined "the magic it would bring" when the show first began.

She paid tribute to Mr Forsyth, saying he "set the tone for everything that Strictly became: warmth, wit, connection and pure showbiz magic," and praised the production team as "the kindest, most fun, most loyal, and definitely the hardest-working team in television".

The Christmas special saw former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt and her partner Vito Coppola lift the festive Glitterball trophy after competing against five other celebrity contestants.

Claudia Winkleman received her own farewell moment in a Love Actually-style parody, opening her door to find Strictly band composer Dave Arch holding placards reading "say it’s carol singers" and "to me, you are perfect".

As the episode drew to a close, Ms Daly thanked viewers for their support over the years, saying: "It has meant the world to us".

The presenting duo then delivered their signature sign-off together for the final time, with an insider revealing they "looked pretty choked" as they held hands and uttered their last "keeeeeep dancing".

The pair also received a heartfelt tribute from Queen Camilla during their final live show on December 20, with judge Craig Revel Horwood reading aloud her message praising their "warmth, compassion and sheer happiness".

Both Ms Daly and Ms Winkleman were awarded MBEs earlier this year for their services to broadcasting.

Ms Daly’s husband, Vernon Kay, who attended the final live show with their daughter Phoebe, later described her achievement as "exceptional", saying it was remarkable that two women had fronted the BBC’s most successful entertainment programme.

Bookmakers have since named Zoe Ball as the 2-1 favourite to replace the duo, with Fleur East and Janette Manrara also tipped as potential successors.

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