A final, heartwarming surprise awaits presenters Claudia Winkelman and Tess Daly as they prepare to say goodbye toStrictly Come Dancing. Their last moments on the show will include a touching tribute orchestrated by Tess’s husband, Arch, a gesture designed to evoke a beloved cinematic scene.
Arch will appear holding placards echoing a pivotal moment from the 2003 filmLove Actually. The messages – “say it’s carol singers” and “to me, you are perfect” – directly reference the iconic declaration of love between Mark and Juliet, adding a layer of romance and nostalgia to the farewell.
This emotional send-off comes after Tess and Claudia jointly announced their departure in October, leaving a void for fans of the long-running dance competition. Tess will have one last dance, partnering with Aljaz Skorjanec in a fiery Argentine tango.
The Christmas special isn’t solely focused on the departing hosts; six celebrities are vying for the coveted Christmas champion title. The lineup includes familiar faces from television and music, promising a dazzling display of skill and festive spirit.
Among the contestants are TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, paired with Vito Coppola, and All Saints singer Melanie Blatt, dancing alongside Kai Widdrington. EastEnders star Nicholas Bailey will take to the floor with Luba Mushtuk, adding a touch of drama to the competition.
Completing the festive roster are actor and podcaster Babatunde Aleshe with Nancy Xu, Westlife’s Brian McFadden partnered with Michelle Tsiakkas, and Gladiator Jodie Ounsley dancing with Neil Jones. Each pairing brings a unique energy to the ballroom.
The performances will be evaluated by the familiar judging panel – Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, and Anton Du Beke – but ultimately, the studio audience will decide who lifts the Christmas trophy. Their votes will hold the ultimate power.
The planned surprise unfolded amidst frustration from dedicated viewers, as results from the pre-recorded special were leaked online before the broadcast. Fans expressed their disappointment and anger on social media platforms, questioning the point of watching if the outcome was already known.
Despite the spoiler controversy, the Christmas special promises to be a poignant and memorable event forStrictlyfans. It marks not only a celebration of dance but also a fond farewell to two beloved presenters who have become synonymous with the show.
Tess Daly’s recent recognition with an MBE, alongside her daughter Phoebe and husband Vernon Kay, adds another layer of celebration to this chapter. It’s a testament to her contributions both on and off screen, culminating in this final, heartfelt appearance.
