'TV hits don't run for ever': are Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman leaving Strictly because it's about to be axed?

BBC's Strictly Come Dancing Franchise in Jeopardy as Claudia and Tess Daly Depart Amid Rumors of Show's Possible Demise.

It appears that Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are leaving their coveted hosting roles on BBC's long-running dance competition show Strictly Come Dancing, raising more questions than answers. The departure of two such stalwarts might be attributed to family life considerations, but given the timing and recent scandals surrounding contestants, it is hard not to wonder if the hosts' decision is linked to the increasingly toxic atmosphere within the show.

While there hasn't been an official statement on their future plans following Daly's 21-year tenure and Winkleman's 11-year stint as a main co-host, both presenters seem reluctant to part ways. Both Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are still actively involved in other high-profile projects – Winkleman fronts BBC's hit series The Traitors, and her schedule is set to become even busier with the expanding show.

The question now centers on who will replace them, but it remains unclear whether there will be a new host for the next series. In light of recent history, where two BBC stalwarts have been abruptly replaced, leaving their shows in limbo, there's a sense that Strictly Come Dancing might also take an extended break.

This situation is reminiscent of another long-running BBC franchise – Doctor Who, which launched almost immediately after Strictly did, and both shows are now facing uncertainty. The reality is that TV hits don't last forever; sometimes they just go off.

The departure of Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly raises the prospect of a possible hiatus for Strictly Come Dancing, especially given the challenges faced by the show in recent times. Stopping the dancing would be a bold move but might be necessary if hostile media outlets continue to target the program with negative coverage.

I'm shocked that Claudia and Tess are leaving Strictly after all these years! I mean, I love Winkleman's sassiness as much as anyone, and Daly's warmth is just the best . The show just wouldn't be the same without them, you know?

It's a bit of a mystery why they're leaving now, especially with all the drama that's been going on behind the scenes . I'm no expert, but it's hard not to wonder if the toxic atmosphere might have something to do with it .

The thought of Strictly taking a break is just... *gasp* . I mean, who will host the dance-off without Claudia and Tess? It's like saying goodbye to an old friend .

I think it's interesting that they're not giving any official statement on what's next for them . Maybe they just need a break from all the drama . We'll have to wait and see who takes over as host, but I hope whoever it is can bring some calm back to the show .

ugh they cant make this up can a new host just walk in and change everything 21 yrs of tess daly hosting strictlys is too much some ppl need to move on its time for change lol but on the serious note i think strictly should take a break maybe regroup & come back stronger than ever we dont need hosts if u cant even keep up w the drama

I'm so bummed out about this . I mean, Claudia and Tess are legends on Strictly, and their departure is like losing part of the show's DNA. The timing couldn't be worse, what with all the drama that's been going on behind the scenes. It's hard not to wonder if they're leaving because of it .

I get why they want to stay involved in other projects, but at the same time, Strictly is their baby, and it's not easy to just hand it over to someone new . The show needs stability right now, and I worry that without Claudia and Tess, it might go off the rails .

The BBC has had its share of drama with shows like Doctor Who, and this feels like another classic case . If Strictly does get put on hold, I don't blame them for wanting to protect themselves from all the negative press .

Let's hope whoever replaces Claudia and Tess can bring some peace back to the show . But if not, I'll just have to sit back and enjoy my favorite TV shows...from a safe distance

I'm kinda surprised that Claudia and Tess are leaving, I mean they've been hosting Strictly for so long and have become a big part of its magic But at the same time, I can understand why they'd want to explore other projects - family life and all that. It's just weird timing considering everything that's been going on with the show lately The BBC has got some experience with shows getting cancelled or put on hiatus when things get too drama-filled... remember what happened with Doctor Who a while back? Anyway, I think it's better if they're honest about why they're leaving and not just stay in a hosting role that doesn't feel right for them anymore And who knows, maybe the show will come out stronger on the other side

I'm kinda sad to hear that Claudia and Tess are leaving their hosting roles. They've always made the show so enjoyable to watch, and it feels like they're just getting started! The Traitors is a great show too, but I think we'll miss them on Strictly even more. It's weird to think about who could replace them... maybe someone new with some fresh energy? But at the same time, I'm not gonna lie, the show has had its ups and downs lately. Maybe it's for the best if they take a break or something? Either way, I'll still be tuning in to see who'll be on the dance floor next!

OMG, another iconic hosting duo bites the dust ! I mean, what's next? Will they replace Claudia and Tess with robots or something? It's kinda sad that we're losing two of our favorite hosts to family life (yawn), but honestly, it gives me a chance to binge-watch more The Traitors with my favorite presenter, Claudia . Can't wait to see who'll take the hosting reins... or if they just decide to leave Strictly all together . Maybe this is the universe's way of saying "enough is enough" and we get a much-needed break from the drama . Fingers crossed for some quality content, not more toxic controversy !

OMG, this is like something out of a soap opera ! I mean, I know Claudia and Tess are getting older and their kids are all grown up, but still... 21 years for Tess?! That's dedication! And Winkleman's been with it for 11 years too? They're like family to us Brits now. It feels like a part of the show is being ripped away . I hope they know how much we love them and will make an appearance, even if it's just as special guests . And honestly, can't say I blame them for wanting out if the show's getting too toxic . We all know about the mean tweets and whatnot. Stopping the dancing might be the right call... who needs drama when you've got Strictly?!

Omg, like what's going on w Strictly?! I'm low-key worried about this Claudia and Tess have been hosting for ages, it's like losing part of the family The show has always been a fave of mine, but if it's gonna be cancelled, I guess it's better to go out with a bang Still, I'm kinda hoping they'll find someone new who can bring the same energy Can you imagine having to watch a season without Claudia and Tess? Either way, I'm keeping an eye on this situation

this is so weird considering how much the show has been a staple on BBC for years but i guess changes gotta happen, kinda like how it happened with Doctor Who back in the day... what's interesting tho is that both Claudia & Tess seem super attached to their hosting roles which is cool, but also understandable given they've been there for so long meanwhile we're left wondering who'll step in and fill their shoes

The thought of Strictly coming to an end is kinda sad tbh... those hosts have been part of our BBC family for ages! But you're right, TV shows can't last forever and sometimes it's just time to say goodbye . I mean, Doctor Who is a great example of how even the longest running shows need a break every now and then . If it means the show gets more support and less negativity from the media, that'd be a good thing . Who knows though? Maybe Claudia & Tess will come back or a new team of hosts will bring some fresh energy to the show . Fingers crossed!