Craig Revel Horwood Pays Tribute to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Following Strictly Exit Announcement

On October 15, 2023, Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood publicly honored Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman following their announcement that the current series would be their last. This marks the end of a historic chapter, as they made history as the BBC's first all-female presenting duo since their debut together in 2014.

Daly and Winkleman's exit comes after nearly a decade, during which they fostered a strong chemistry and rapport, providing entertaining commentary and support to contestants. This continues a trend noted in the entertainment industry where female hosts are increasingly being recognized for their contributions to traditionally male-dominated shows.

Previously, Winkleman has been involved in numerous BBC productions, including The Shortened Version and The Film Programme since the early 2000s. Similarly, Daly, who joined Strictly in 2004, has seen her hosting career expand significantly, demonstrating the impact of strong female leads in British television.

During an emotional tribute, Horwood remarked, "They have led this show with grace and poise. I’ll miss their humor and warmth on set." The sentiment echoes similar tributes made during host transitions in notable reality shows, such as when Ryan Seacrest bid farewell to longtime American Idol host Paula Abdul in 2014.

According to industry sources, female-led hosting teams have been gaining traction, with 60% of recent reality shows utilizing female co-hosts. This data reinforces the significance of Daly and Winkleman's contribution to television, specifically in raising the profile of female presenters.

The impact of their tenure on Strictly is evident not only in audience ratings, which peaked in 2022 with 12.2 million viewers in the finale, but also in subsequent casting decisions; new hosts are expected to maintain the tone and style established by Daly and Winkleman.

Looking ahead, Winkleman is set to host the BBC's coverage of this year’s Children in Need, while Daly will likely expand her involvement in fashion-related programming, with hints of new projects in the pipeline as well. Their proactive career moves reflect their ability to leverage their established brands.

This transition will undoubtedly leave a void in the show, but it also opens the door for new talent to emerge. Strictly’s upcoming 2024 season will likely see auditions for new presenters in early January.

As the TV landscape continues evolving, Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's legacy will remain influential, serving as a benchmark for future women taking the lead in prominent entertainment roles. This goodbye is an evolution, symbolizing both the end and the potential new beginnings for the series.