Vernon Kay reveals he and Tess Daly will "miss" Strictly Come Dancing and shares whether they'll be tuning in

It was the news no one could expect or wanted to hear: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving Strictly Come Dancing.

The news came on an ordinary Thursday morning early on in the show's 2025 run and before fans knew it, the presenting duo were hanging up their glitter for good and said the all important "Keep dancing" one last time.

Their final episode was an emotional one as the pair were guided onto the ballroom on Christmas Day before saying their farewells.

As the episode drew to a close, Tess said: "Thank you again for watching us over the years. It has meant the world to us."

The pair then signed off the episode with one final "keep dancing" before the credits rolled.

While details are scarce on who could be replacing the duo, it'll certainly be a different autumn and winter season that many are used to, including for the presenters themselves.

Speaking at the Radio Times Covers Party 2026, Tess's husband Vernon Kay said that the couple have a holiday booked when the show rolls around – but reiterated that they continue to be firm fans of the series, even with Tess no longer on it.

Asked if they will still tune into the show, he told RadioTimes.com: "Yeah, of course! It's iconic, and it's in our family's DNA, it really is. So it holds a special place in both of our hearts and the kids as well.

"Phoebe and Amber absolutely love it, and we're going to miss it. We're going to miss it, but it's still there. It's not gone, it's not vanished. We'll still be watching, we'll still be dialled in. We'll still be in the Star Bar after the show and enjoying it because it is the best show on UK TV."

It hasn't yet been confirmed who will replace Tess and Claudia in the ballroom later this year, though there has been heavy speculation about who could fill their shoes.

From the likes of Alex Jones and Bradley Walsh to Rylan Clark and Zoe Ball – the latter two having previously presented Strictly's companion series – there has been plenty of chatter.

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In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Ball said of taking over the helm: "Obviously, there's a part of me that would love to do it. But I will still be watching, whoever hosts.

"This is the hilarious thing, it’s all anyone talks to me about. At the moment I am in mourning for Tess and Claud because I love those girls. I think everyone’s name is being thrown into the mix."

Strictly Come Dancing returns later this year.

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