Claudia Winkleman left in tears as BBC Strictly judges halt semi-final show with farewell gesture

Head judge Shirley Ballas was also visibly moved during the unplanned moment, which caught both presenters completely off guard.

The pair had stunned viewers back in October when they revealed the 2025 series would be their last, bringing an end to their partnership, which has fronted the show since 2014.

Ms Daly has been with Strictly since its inception in 2004, whilst Winkleman took over from Sir Bruce Forsyth a decade later.

The seemingly unrehearsed sequence began when Mr Revel Horwood summoned Tess down from her usual position onto the ballroom floor itself.

Both presenters appeared genuinely bewildered as they looked around, questioning what was unfolding before them.

The judge then escorted Ms Daly up to the greenroom, where he seated her alongside Ms Winkleman as the significance of the moment dawned on them.

It was the final occasion the entire panel would gather together in what has become affectionately known as the 'Claudatorium'.

As the hosts took in the reality that they were presiding over their last ever results programme, the judges expressed their gratitude for the pair's contributions over the years.

Mr Revel Horwood and his fellow panellists thanked both women for their dedication to the show throughout their respective tenures.

The tribute included a specially compiled highlights reel showcasing memorable moments from both presenters' time on the programme.

The montage featured footage spanning their careers on the dance show, with particularly poignant clips of the late Mr Forsyth, who originally co-hosted alongside Daly before stepping down in 2014.

The legendary entertainer passed away in 2017, leaving the Strictly team devastated by his loss.

The package also included fresh interviews with the judging panel reflecting on their time working with the departing hosts.

Viewers at home were moved by the retrospective, with one fan posting on X: "This bloody montage has me emotional. Strictly will be unwatchable without Tess and Claudia! They'll need to get two very special replacements."

The judges presented Ms Winkleman and Ms Daly with their own unique golden Glitterball trophies, marking the first time such awards had been given to anyone other than competition winners.

Professional dancer Kai Widdrington assisted the panel in presenting the special mementoes to the departing hosts.

Mr Revel Horwood lightened the emotional atmosphere with some characteristic humour, quipping that he was particularly grateful to Ms Winkleman for lending him her dresses over the years.

He also paid tribute to Ms Daly's legendary pizza parties held behind the scenes at the Elstree studio.

Both presenters wiped away tears as they absorbed the outpouring of affection from their colleagues.

Another viewer wrote on social media: "Oh don't do this, I'm going to get emotional over Tess and Claudia leaving. DON'T DO THIS."

Ms Daly reached a remarkable milestone this weekend, having now presented 500 editions of Strictly throughout her 21-year association with the programme.

The achievement was celebrated during rehearsals at Elstree on Saturday, when Mr Revel Horwood presented her with flowers and announced: "Tess, darling! This is, my love, to celebrate 500 Strictly shows that you have done! 500 of being fabulous darling."

A visibly stunned Ms Daly responded: "No way! I can't believe it," adding: "That was the biggest surprise! I had no idea it was 500!"

The hosting duo will make their final appearance on the BBC dance show during this year's Christmas special, though the corporation has yet to confirm who will succeed them.

Ms Winkleman also presents The Traitors, which has become a major hit for the broadcaster.

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