Over a decade after they began presenting Strictly Come Dancing together, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have announced that they'll be stepping down at the end of the current series.

"We will cry when we say the last 'keep dancing' but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza," the pair shared in an Instagram post earlier.

The news has surprised fans and past contestants, and some are wondering what comes next for the competition.

The last appearance on Strictly by Daly and Winkleman will be the Christmas special, which airs on 25 December.

The BBC's chief content officer, Kate Phillips, has called it "the end of an era".

"They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond," she says.

On Instagram, Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse has wished the pair well, adding: "You're an icon and inspiration. Still in shock, but wishing you love and best wishes."

While it's not clear who will step in to fill the void left by Winkleman and Daly - despite some fan speculation - it does mean that two of the biggest roles in TV are up for grabs, our culture reporter notes.

The BBC say plans for what Strictly will look like in 2026 will be revealed in due course.

Until then, the final series presenting by the iconic duo continues this Saturday.

We'll be ending our live reporting for now - but our team will be following this week's show, so check back for more soon.

Emma Saunders
Culture reporter

We're heading into week five of the competition, which as usual, will run up until the week before Christmas.

We've already had three celebrities pull out - Game of Thrones actor and DJ Kristian Nairn had to replaced due to medical reasons, just before the series started. Up stepped Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope, who has gone on to top the leaderboard twice already.

Dani Dyer then suffered a fractured ankle, also ahead of the first live show. She was replaced by West End star Amber Davies.

And last week, Neighbours star Stefan Davies had to pull out due to a calf injury.

So far, three celebs have been voted off - former England rugby player Chris Robshaw, TV presenter Ross King and former Apprentice contestant, Thomas Skinner.

TikTokker George Clarke and Cope are among the current favourites to win.

Next week is Icons week, presumably followed by the much-loved Halloween episode the following week.

We've been hearing throughout the day from Strictly fans about the departure of the show's hosts.

Here's what you've had to say:

• David, 69, from Yorkshire, says watching Strictly reminds him of his late mum, Margaret: "My mum was such an avid watcher of the programme, and every time we visited her on the weekends, it was clear it was time for us to go. She would announce, 'Right, you lot, Strictly's about to come on!'"

• Joanna, 62, from London, says she is sorry to hear of the departure of Tess and Claudia but thinks it makes sense: "Twenty-one years for Tess is a long time. I think perhaps the show could be rested for a couple of years — go away and regroup."

• Seth, 17, from Northamptonshire, says the loss of Tess and Claudia as show hosts should be turned into an opportunity for fresh talent to emerge: "The BBC should open public applications for the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing. It would be a great opportunity for fresh talent to rise to fame."

• Self-described Strictly "superfans" Elly, 49, and Gareth, 54, from Kent, say: "We believe Sophie Willan has the charisma, warmth, comedy dexterity and pure fabulousness to own and govern the Clauditorium, when the wonderfully-lovely comedy-clown and icon that is Claudia Winkleman leaves Strictly. Long-live this magical and uplifting show!"

Emma Saunders
Culture reporter

The current Strictly series, which began in September, was seen in media circles as something of a reboot for the long-running show.

It follows last year's controversies relating to the behaviour of some professional dancers, and in August the launch of a BBC investigation into alleged drug use by two of the show's stars, and an unnamed star being arrested on suspicion of rape (it is understood the development was not related to the current series).

BBC bosses were keen for fans and the media to return to talking about the show itself.

Emma Saunders
Culture reporter

Image source, Reuters

Strictly fans have been left reeling after the show's two long-time presenters announced this will be their final series.

"This is really sad, your successors are so important I hope they don’t get this wrong - you two make the show!" one writes on Instagram.

One fan says: "Noooo! I mean, hurrah for you both if that’s what you want, but we will miss you enormously. It won’t be the same show without you."

"You’ve been amazing, we’ll miss you so so much! But you’ve worked / given up so many Sat nights, you deserve them back!" another writes.

One fan adds: "You've been great but I agree it's time. The show needs a complete overhaul. All the best."

Image source, PA Media

We've been asking you to share your reaction to Winkleman and Daly announcing they will leave Strictly.

Among the well wishes for the duo and the gloom at their departure, you've been sending us suggestions for who could present the show in the future.

Becky from Kent says: "There's only two people for the job: Zoe Ball to replace Tess and Rylan to replace Claudia."

Lewis suggests actors Shane Richie and Jessie Wallace - known for playing Alfie Moon and Kat Slater in BBC drama EastEnders.

Fiona says Doctor Who stars Ncuti Gatwa or Varada Sethu would make good replacements.

You can get in touch and share your reaction and opinion with us here.

Image source, Getty Images

Claudia Winkleman is best known as host of Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors.

Born and raised in London, she studied history of art at the University of Cambridge before starting her career in broadcasting.

Recognisable for her signature fringe, she's fronted a range of popular shows including The Great British Sewing Bee, The Piano and The Traitors - with the latter earning her a Bafta for best entertainment performance in 2023.

Claudia joined the Strictly family at the very beginning in 2004 as host of the weekday spin-off It Takes Two, before stepping up to co-host the main show in 2014.

In 2024, she left her BBC Radio 2 show to spend more time with her family. She married her partner, film producer Kris Thykier, in 2000 - they have three children.

Image source, Getty Images

Tess Daly is one of the UK's most high-profile TV presenters.

Raised in a small village in Derbyshire, she was scouted as a teenager for modelling work, which took her around the world, including appearances in Duran Duran music videos.

Her TV break came in 1999 when she presented The Big Breakfast's modelling competition on Channel 4.

She went on to present shows including SM:TV Live, Children in Need and the Royal Variety Performance. She started co-presenting Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 alongside Bruce Forsyth.

Daly is married to TV and BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay. The couple have two children. She is also an author and runs a swimwear brand.

BBC Cumbria

Image source, BBC/PA

Diane Carson, a prominent contestant on season two of The Traitors, gave her reaction to Winkleman leaving Strictly live on the BBC.

Our colleagues at BBC Radio Cumbria broke the news to Diane that Winkleman - who also presents The Traitors - will be leaving Strictly at the end of this series.

“No way,” Diane says. “Claudia’s so good at whatever she does and she’s so now invested in The Traitors.

"Wow, God I hope she never leaves Traitors.

“People always say to me, 'is she as she seems?' Well yes she is. She is passionate about the game, she is invested in all the players and she is very funny.

“And of course her costumes have got more and more bizarre - which is fantastic.”

We can now bring you more from the BBC's statement on Winkleman and Daly's departure.

The BBC's chief content officer, Kate Phillips, calls it "the end of an era".

"They’ve both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond," she says.

Executive producer Sarah James describes the pair as "quite simply the best duo of presenters in the business".

"The Strictly family is often referred to and these women are the matriarchs of that family," she says.

"We have been together and supported each other for a long time - through pregnancies, births and deaths and to say we will all miss them terribly is an understatement," she adds.

The BBC has released a statement reacting to the departure of Strictly Come Dancing presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

It confirms the pair's last appearance together on the show will be on the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special, which airs on 25 December.

Celebrities have been quick to react to the departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

Football pundit and Strictly 2019 contestant, Alex Scott, writes: "Still in shock at this news.. you two are a joy, a team, and legends."

Former It Takes Two host and 2005 contestant Zoe Ball says: "Absolute class act. Bravo ladies. Huge love."

Broadcaster Rylan Clark - an ex It Takes Two host - says he had the "biggest pleasure" working with the "pair of icons".

Former Strictly contestant Ann Widdecombe says the "show can go on" without Tess and Claudia.

Speaking to Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell, she says it’s "very tempting to think that when favourites disappear, the show is going to be completely different… and so it will probably be an impetus to change the format slightly now".

Ann feels the format of the show has changed considerably since she appeared in 2010 - saying it needs to focus on the "family entertainment and dancing, not on the characters and the cast".

She’s "tired" of the scandals, she adds - and no longer watches the show.

We can now bring you Claudia and Tess's video statement in full, in which they announced their joint departure.

"There have been some rumblings," Claudia begins, "and we want you to hear this from us."

Watch it below:

Emma Saunders
Culture reporter

We've just had reaction from Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse.

"Going to miss you so much!" she says, in response to Claudia's post. "You're an icon and inspiration. Still in shock, but wishing you love and best wishes."

Mabuse's sister Oti, who used to be a professional dancer on the show, also responded to Tess's post, external, writing: "You two have been incredible to work with - thank you so much for all the beautiful memories, for representing females presenters, being iconic, the laughs and years of family you’ve given all us.

"From the beginning you were the highlight of our weekends! Wish you both luck - I will miss you so much!!!"

Laura Stanley, host of the Strictly on the Sofa podcast, tells 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell it has been a "big ask" for Daly to present the same show for 21 years.

"It’s a relentless show in its way, and it’s time for a change maybe," she says.

On who could replace the two hosts, Laura says current It Takes Two hosts, Janette Manrara and Fleur East, "would be a great shout".

More quotes now from Claudia Winkleman on her departure as Strictly Come Dancing presenter.

"Strictly is a magical, glittery, fake tanned train and it’s been a privilege to be a tiny part of it.

"I will never forget Len Goodman trying to teach me what a cucaracha is (I still don’t know)."

She also pays homage to her co-presenter: "As for Tess - I’m so so lucky I got to stand next to you. You’re funny, kind, whip smart and a true friend and I love you."

Flavia Cacace was a Strictly professional dancer between 2006 and 2012. She tells 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell she is "shocked" at the presenters' departure.

"I’m part of the original gang and I experienced the changeover when Bruce left and Claudia stepped in [Winkleman started presenting the Sunday night results show in 2010].

"It was an intense time, and people didn’t know how the audiences would react. But they did a brilliant job."

What is your reaction to the Strictly presenters stepping down? Where does the show go now? And - the big question! - who should be the new presenters?

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Emma Saunders
Culture reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Strictly is one of the biggest shows on television - and one of the few that is watched live by families across the country in an age of streaming.

Tess and Claudia made history when they became primetime Saturday television's first female presenting duo.

It's too early to speculate on who will replace the presenters - but they will certainly be two of the most coveted roles in television.