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Tess Daly has announced her departure from Strictly Come Dancing after 21 years of hosting the show.
The presenter shared this surprising news in a detailed post on Instagram today.

She stated: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say farewell to Strictly Come Dancing."
“It’s challenging to articulate what this show has meant to me, but I will try…”
“Strictly has been more than just a television program. It has felt like having a third child, a second family, and a significant part of my life since that very first show back in 2004. I realized then it was something extraordinary, but I could never have imagined the magic it would bring.”
“Strictly has always been about joy, celebration, and uniting people — and I’m incredibly proud to have contributed, even in a small way, to something that continues to hold such significance for so many.”
“From that very first series, I had the immense honor of standing alongside the unforgettable Sir Bruce Forsyth.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tess Daly leave Strictly Come Dancing?
Tess Daly announced her departure after 21 years, expressing that it was time to say goodbye to a show that has been a significant part of her life.
What did Tess Daly say about her time on the show?
She described the experience as more than just a television program, likening it to having a third child and a second family, highlighting the joy and connection it has brought to many.