Strictly Come Dancing hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman became emotional as they marked their final time in the Claudatorium last weekend, ahead of their upcoming exit
Samantha Masters Content Editor
11:58, 15 Dec 2025
Tess and Claudia were left in tears as they marked their final time in the Claudatorium (Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing star Angela Scanlon has given a cryptic response to becoming the programme’s new presenter. Earlier this year, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman revealed that the current series would mark their final one, following more than ten years of co-presenting duties.
During their last appearance in the Clauditorium last weekend, the duo became emotional when the four judges presented them with a surprise farewell tribute.
Tears flowed as the pair watched a heartfelt video montage showcasing their finest moments throughout the years, followed by judge Craig Revel Horwood making touching comments.
“We just want to tell you how much we’re going to miss you and how much we love you to bits,” he shared.
He then added playfully: “I personally, want to say thank you Clauds for the dresses and the shoes you’ve thrown my way, and to you Tess, for all the pizza parties in your dressing room.”
Following their departure announcement, numerous celebrity names have been put forward as possible successors, with Angela among the frontrunners.
Angela Scanlon performed with Carlos Gu on Strictly in 2023
The 41-year-old knows the programme well, having taken part in 2023 alongside professional partner Carlos Gu.
When previously reflecting on her elimination during an appearance on Strictly: It Takes Two, the presenter became emotional.
Speaking about her standout moments with host Fleur East, she recalled: “Charleston, week three and top of the leaderboard – this kind of took us totally by surprise and it was so joyful and glorious.
“The Argentine Tango in Blackpool, for me, which is possibly why this stings so much to come a week later.”
In a new interview with The Metro newspaper, the former contestant was quizzed about Richard Osman suggesting her for the hosting role.
“Richard is amazing and to be uttered in the same breath as Tess and Claudia, who I admire so much? It’s phenomenal,” she revealed.
Speaking previously to The Sun about the subject, Angela praised the Strictly hosts for having “the most amazing dynamic”, describing their connection as “really important”.
“So there’s, you know, lots of different things to play for, but I would certainly answer the call,” she continued.
Zoe Ball co-presented with Tess Daly on Strictly for an episode in 2014
Angela’s name has been floated alongside numerous others including Zoe Ball, Alan Carr, Alex Jones and Bradley Walsh.
Zoe previously formed part of the Strictly Come Dancing family, beginning as a contestant before moving into presenting roles on Strictly: It Takes Two.
During the 2014 series, she also stepped in to co-host the main programme with Tess, covering for Claudia over a weekend.
Last week, she revealed she will be departing from her BBC Radio 2 programme after merely seven months – potentially creating space for a new opportunity.
In her exit announcement, she explained: “I have loved being betwixt my dear friends Romesh [Ranganathan] and Rylan [Clark], and you know, I love you all to bits, but I’m not disappearing completely.
“Obviously, it’ll be Christmas Crooners and I’m doing an eras show in the new year.”
Angela Scanlon alongside the Strictly 2023 cast(Image: Eamonn M. McCormack/Getty Images)
Zoe continued by saying she will be succeeded by Emma Willis, who has presented numerous programmes including Big Brother and The Voice.
As rumours swirl about who will succeed Tess and Claudia, Kate Phillips, the BBC’s Chief Content Officer, has confirmed that no decisions will be made until next year.
Speaking on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, she said: “The production team, BBC Studios, and Executive Producer Sarah James and her team are concentrating on getting two shows out a week.
“We haven’t got time at the moment to start doing any screen tests or chemistry testing. I don’t think we’ll really be looking at it until the New Year because we want to make sure we deliver a great Strictly series.”
