Multiple stars from Strictly Come Dancing have responded to the shocking news that Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are both set to step down from the BBC One show following the conclusion of the current season.
The duo recently announced that they have both decided to leave the show this year, stating that "now feels like the right time".
On the Instagram post where Claudia and Tess made their announcement, plenty of Strictly stars past and present, as well as famous faces from the BBC and British TV across the board, commented how gutted they were and how much they'll miss the pair.
"Wow! How devastating," wrote Oti Mabuse. "You two have been incredible to work with – thank you so much for all the beautiful memories, for representing females presenters, being iconic, the laughs and years of family you’ve given all us.
"From the beginning you were the highlight of our weekends! Wish you both luck – I will miss you so much!!!"
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"This is quite surreal. Salute to you both, shouldn't be radical for two women to present prime time TV together, you two do it with such genuine joy towards each other. Big respect!" Clara Amfo commented.
"Legends of the ballroom and Saturday night prime time TV," Janette Manrara wrote. "Have enjoyed working with you both immensely over the years and I will miss you. And, as our show's saying goes, always and forever 'keep dancing'."
"Adore you both the world. The biggest pleasure working with you both. Pair of icons xxx," commented Rylan, while Vito Coppola said: "I don't know how to react to be honest. Love you two and I will miss you so much."
"Absolute class act. Bravo ladies. huge love," said Zoe Ball, while Amy Dowden and Jowita Przystal both said they were "gutted" about the announcement.
"Oh my goodness me… just thank you to you both, I have loved watching you over the years… utterly iconic!" wrote Holly Willoughby, with AJ Odudu commenting "Bowing down to you two Queens!" and Scarlett Moffatt said "This is so heartbreaking. Thank you for all the memories of gracing your presence on our screens".
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The BBC's Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips said in a statement: "I can't quite believe I'm saying this, but it's the end of an era with Tess and Claudia's decision to bid farewell to the Strictly ballroom. They've both been such incredible hosts at the very heart of the show, their passion and dedication has gone above and beyond.
"They've been integral to Strictly's success over the last 20 years, but I understand why they've decided it's time to hang up the glitter ball and get their weekends back. As Craig would say they are fab-u-lous presenters, and they are fab-u-lous friends to me and so many others at the BBC. Thank you Tess and Claud for everything, we will miss you hugely."
The show's executive producer Sarah James added: "Tess and Claudia are quite simply the best duo of presenters in the business... I would say Keep Dancing, but you never actually started!"
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. In his time, he's covered a host of live events and interviewed celebrities big and small. A big fan of TV and movies both mainstream and obscure, Joe also enjoys video games and in particular PlayStation. Joe currently does not use Twitter, but he only ever used it to tell people to watch the film Help! I'm a Fish.
