Tess Daly is swept off her feet by Aljaž Škorjanec as a ‘goodbye gift’ from the judges on Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special – and Claudia Winkleman is left floored by grand gesture from show legend
Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are both left amazed by their parting gifts while bowing out of the BBC show for good.
The pair – who announced their joint exit earlier this year – grace the ballroom one last time in the pre-recorded Christmas special.
It sees the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke and Motsi Mabuse – give Tess, 56, a special Christmas gift.
The presenter, who has been with Strictly since day one, is treated to an Argentine Tango with pro Aljaž Škorjanec – who sweeps her off her feet.
Meanwhile, Claudia, 53, is given a grand goodbye by the show’s musical director Dave Arch.
The pair have a long-running joke of an on-screen ‘romance’, with Dave bidding farewell to Claudia in the style of beloved romcom Love Actually.
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Tess Daly is swept off her feet by Strictly pro Aljaž Škorjanec in the show’s upcoming Christmas special
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Claudia receives a special Love Actually-inspired parting gift from the show’s musical director Dave Arch
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Strictly Come Dancing previously unveiled a first look at Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman’s farewell during the Christmas Special
Dave, 63, holds up hand-written cue cards reminiscent of the famous scene featuring Andrew Lincoln and Keira Knightley.
In a first-look at the upcoming festive special, Tess and Claudia turned heads as they posed together beneath the glitterball.
Tess looked incredible in a white suit adorned with silver sequins on the blazer, while Claudia wowed in a flowing blush maxi dress.
During the pair’s last-ever live final, former Lioness Karen Carney won the series alongside pro partner Carlos Gu.
However, the momentous episode also featured a message to Tess and Claudia from a very notable fan.
The tribute, delivered by Craig Revel Horwood, was from none other than Queen consort Camilla.
Long-standing judge Craig read out: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
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Tess – who has been with Strictly since day one – receives an Argentine Tango with Aljaž as a Christmas gift from the judges
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Strictly Come Dancing viewers know Claudia and Dave have a long-running joke of an on-screen ‘romance’
‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
‘If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.
‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.
‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’
Tess and Claudia were overwhelmed by the tribute as they struggled to contain their emotion after the heartfelt letter.
Thanking fans, a visibly emotional Tess said: ‘I can’t speak now. What an honour.
‘Thank you so much for your lovely words, from the bottom of the hearts it means so much to us.’
Claudia replied: ‘That is amazing, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much.
‘We have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It has been a privilege to be a part of your weekends.’
