Tess Daly performs Argentine Tango in Strictly Come Dancing farewell
Tess Daly will be seen performing an Argentine Tango with pro dancer Aljaz Skorjanec as she and co-host Claudia Winkleman bid a final farewell to Strictly Come Dancing on Christmas Day (25.12.25).
Tess Daly will perform an Argentine Tango in her final appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 56-year-old presenter will take to the floor with professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec as a parting gift from the judges in the festive special of the BBC favourite as she bows out as host on Christmas Day (25.12.25) after 21 years on the show.
Tess' co-host Claudia Winkleman, 53, will also be given a Love Actually themed farewell from Strictly's musical director Dave Arch during the Christmas special, after the pair announced their joint departure from the programme in October.
An insider told the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Tess and Claudia looked pretty choked as they grabbed hold of each other's hands and said that this was the final time they were ever going to say the 'keeeeep dancing'.
"They were fighting hard to hold it together but it was clear they were saying that iconic catchphrase with more emotion than ever before."
The source added: "Tess was wiping away tears afterwards. She managed to do it between takes so on screen, she will look fine. But the audience knew - it all felt incredibly emotional. We were stamping and cheering and gave them a standing ovation at the end."
It marks the first time that Tess has taken to the dance floor since she performed with Anton Du Beke for Strictly's BBC Children in Need special back in 2008, when she competed against the late broadcaster Sir Terry Wogan.
The audience member said: "Tess was fabulous - Aljaz must have taught her how to do it, and she followed his instructions perfectly.
"Everyone watching was thrilled. It felt like a real treat to see something so rare. What a way to kick off their long goodbye."
Tess and Claudia hosted their last live Strictly show on Saturday (20.12.25) - the final of the 23rd series - and the former took to Instagram to say goodbye to the programme.
She wrote on the social media site: "So that’s a wrap. What an incredible Final - fitting for what, for me, has been an absolutely brilliant series.
"Strictly is a show that is made with love, where joy is the currency and the only agenda.
"That love is down to every single member of the brilliant team that makes it, because to none of them is it just a job. It is a gift, and it is truly treasured.
"I will be forever grateful for the unforgettable years I have spent sharing this magical show with you.
"I'll miss the Strictly viewers, because they are the very best, the most loyal and supportive, and as passionate about the show as I have always been.
"It has been the most wonderful privilege to have shared it with you all for so many years.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the memories of a lifetime."
