Blackpool week on Strictly Come Dancing was overshadowed by shock news for the show’s contestants: the departure of long-time hosts tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.
The news, announced via an Instagram video on Thursday, caught the stars fully off guard, with many learning of the decision alongside fans through social media. Daly and winkleman, who have presented the hit BBC One show for 21 and 11 years respectively, stated in a joint statement that they “were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.” The unexpected proclamation comes during a period of increased scrutiny for the show,following several controversies in recent years,and raises questions about the future of its presenting lineup.
Contestants expressed their surprise, with YouTuber and podcaster George Clarke saying, “I think we found out as everybody else did, just on their socials, wich I’m constantly refreshing anyway, as I’m a big fan. I don’t think anybody expected it.” Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope recounted learning the news immediatly after an appearance on Lorraine, stating, “We’d just finished on Lorraine, and we just looked at our phones and we saw it on social media. We were so shocked.And then we were told later, it had to be that way, and they couldn’t really give anyone a heads up.”
Drag queen and Strictly star La Voix echoed the sentiment, adding, “No one saw it coming.”
the departure of Daly and Winkleman has sparked a significant reaction online, prompting speculation about their replacements. The BBC has not yet announced who will take over hosting duties, leaving the future of the show’s presentation in question.
Separately, Hertfordshire Police confirmed on Thursday night that an unnamed Strictly star was arrested last month on suspicion of rape and has been released on bail under investigation. Authorities have stated that this incident is not believed to be connected to the current series of strictly.
