Queen Camilla has released a heart-warming message bidding Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman a fond farewell as they step away from the BBC’s flagship entertainment show.
In a message shared on social media, Her Majesty paid tribute to the presenting duo’s decades of service, thanking them for the joy they have brought to millions of viewers.
In full, the Queen wrote:
“Dear Tess and Claudia,
As you prepare to take your final twirl, I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
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 fab-u-lous. I wish you both every success in whatever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has experienced its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing: keeeeeeeep dancing.
With warmest gratitude and appreciation,
Camilla.”
Tess Daly has presented Strictly Come Dancing since the programme’s launch 21 years ago. Claudia Winkleman joined the main show in 2013 following the retirement of Sir Bruce Forsyth, having previously fronted the companion programme Strictly: It Takes Two since 2004.
Strictly has long been one of the BBC’s most successful entertainment formats and has been franchised internationally as Dancing With the Stars.
Daly and Winkleman confirmed that they had decided the time was right to leave the show, saying in a joint statement that they had always planned to step away together.
Queen Camilla is known to be a devoted fan of Strictly. The Duchess of Edinburgh and Lady Louise Windsor have also been spotted attending recordings of the programme in the studio audience.
