Oti Mabuse 'devastated' by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's exits from Strictly Come Dancing
Former Strictly Come Dancing pro Oti Mabuse has led reaction to the news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are quitting as hosts of the BBC show.
Oti Mabuse is "devastated" by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's departures from Strictly Come Dancing.
The presenters announced on Thursday (23.10.25) that they are to leave the BBC's Saturday night favourite at the end of the current series and the former Strictly professional has led those wishing the pair well following the news.
Oti - who won the Glitterball Trophy in 2019 and 2020 with soap star Kelvin Fletcher and comedian Bill Bailey respectively - posted on Instagram: "Wow, how devastating. You two have been incredible to work with, thank you so much for all the beautiful memories.
"Representing females, presenters, being iconic, the laughs and the years of family you've given us. From the beginning you were the highlight of our weekends. Wish you both luck. I will miss you so much."
Currently Strictly pro Karen Hauer, 43, hailed the "powerhouse duo" following the confirmation of their departures.
She said: "I love you both so much. Powerhouse duo."
Meanwhile, former It Takes Two host Zoe Ball wrote: "Absolutely class act. Bravo ladies. Huge love."
Helen Skelton, who reached the final of Strictly in 2022, said whoever replaces Tess and Claudia will have "big shoes to fill".
The 42-year-old presenter told BBC Radio 5 Live: "You look at Tess’ eyes when you finish a dance. On behalf of everyone who’s been on that dance floor, you look at Tess for reassurance - and Claudia for a laugh.
"It’s a real shame. They’ve served that show so well. It’s going to leave a massive hole. I can’t for one second think that was an easy decision. It’s become their identity.
"Tess has done the show for 21 years; it’s been her whole life. So, I think people will be sad when they go.
"Whoever steps into it next has big shoes to fill."
Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, shared a joint statement about their exit and stressed that they always planned "to leave together".
In a video message posted on Daly's Instagram feed, they said: "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream.
"We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.
"We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.
"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.
"Tess and Claud."
