When Tess Daly, presenter of BBC One confirmed she’ll step away from Strictly Come Dancing after 21 series, the TV world felt the floor wobble. The announcement came on October 22, 2025, during her chat on the BBC Radio 2 Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, where Daly said she ‘can’t put it into words’ how much the show has meant to her. Claudia Winkleman will inherit solo presenting duties starting with the 2026 series, and the shift dovetails with a £50 million cut to BBC’s entertainment budget announced earlier that September.
Background: Two Decades of Strictly
Since its launch on May 15, 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has become a cultural fixture, averaging 11.2 million viewers per week across 21 series. Daly stepped into the lead role in 2004, replacing Natasha Kaplinsky, and quickly became the show’s steady hand. Over the years she collected three National Television Awards for Best Presenter (2008, 2015, 2022) and helped the programme navigate milestones—from the 2017 maternity‑leave episode that saw ratings lift 4.7 % to the pandemic‑era 2020 series, which dipped to 9.8 million viewers without a live audience.
The Exit Announcement
The Liverpool Echo ran the story on October 23, 2025, quoting Daly’s heartfelt line: “It’s been the most incredible journey, but after two decades, I feel it’s time to step back and explore new creative avenues – I literally can’t put it into words how much this show has meant to me.” The piece also noted that Daly’s final recording will happen on December 14, 2025, at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, during the live Christmas special.
BBC Studios, the commercial arm of the BBC, confirmed the timeline in a press release dated October 20, 2025. The statement, issued from Broadcasting House in London, said series 23 would launch on September 6, 2025, with Winkleman co‑hosting alongside Daly until the December special.
Industry and Budget Context
The departure arrives against a backdrop of tightening coffers. In September 2025, BBC Studios announced a £50 million reduction in its entertainment‑programming budget, trimming the annual spend from £415 million to £365 million. Mark Lawson, veteran media columnist for The Guardian, told the Liverpool Echo, “Daly’s exit represents a seismic shift – the show has never operated without her presence since 2004, and the cost‑cutting measures are directly influencing this transition.”
Thames Television, the production company that has handled the show since 2004 and now part of FremantleMedia North America, corroborated the schedule, revealing that the final episode will use 14,000 sq ft of Studio D – the same footprint used for the regular series since 2013.
What the Transition Means for Viewers
Radio Times journalist Alison Graham ran a model based on data from when Winkleman first joined as co‑host in 2010. She projected an 8–12 % viewership swing during the transition, with an initial dip to around 4.3 million for the first solo‑host episode, before the audience settles. The concern isn’t just numbers – long‑time fans worry about the chemistry that Daly and Winkleman built on‑screen.
Yet there’s optimism. Daly herself told Radio 2 that “this isn’t goodbye forever – I’ll always cherish the glitter‑ball moments, but Strictly needs fresh energy as it enters its third decade.” The BBC has hinted at a refreshed format for 2026, including a new live‑music segment and a possible shift in the voting system.
Future of the Show
Winkleman’s new three‑year contract, signed on October 18, 2025, pays £1.8 million per year, according to the BBC’s salary disclosure. The network says the deal reflects confidence in her ability to carry the mantle solo. Meanwhile, producers at Thames Television are scouting for a rotating panel of guest co‑hosts for special episodes, a move that could keep the format feeling dynamic.
Industry watchers also note the timing aligns with a broader BBC strategy to lean more on digital‑first content. The corporation is investing in a companion app that will stream behind‑the‑scenes footage and offer interactive voting, aiming to attract younger viewers who increasingly shun traditional broadcast.
Key Facts
- Final appearance: December 14, 2025, Christmas special at Elstree Studios
- Series 23 premiere: September 6, 2025
- BBC Studios entertainment budget cut: £50 million (2025)
- Winkleman's solo‑host contract: £1.8 million per year
- Average weekly viewership (2024): 11.2 million
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Tess Daly leaving Strictly after such a long run?
Daly said she feels it’s time to explore new creative avenues after 21 series. The decision also lines up with BBC’s recent £50 million cut to entertainment spending, which many analysts, like Mark Lawson, see as a catalyst for change.
How will Claudia Winkleman's solo presenting affect the show?
Winkleman has a three‑year £1.8 million contract and will take full hosting duties from 2026. Early projections suggest a temporary dip in viewership, but producers plan fresh segments and guest co‑hosts to maintain audience interest.
What impact will the BBC’s budget cut have on Strictly?
The £50 million reduction forces the channel to trim production costs and explore new revenue streams, such as a companion app for interactive voting. While core production remains robust, ancillary features may see scaling back.
When and where will Tess Daly’s final episode air?
The last episode with Daly will be the 2025 Christmas special, taped on December 14, 2025 at Elstree Studios in Hertfordshire, and broadcast live at 7 PM GMT.
What does the future hold for Strictly’s format?
BBC insiders hint at a refreshed format for 2026, including a new live‑music segment, an updated voting mechanism, and possible digital‑only specials aimed at younger audiences.
