EXCLUSIVE: Tess Daly’s shock exit with Claudia Winkleman reportedly sparked chaos and rumours behind the scenes.

Strictly Come Dancing staff have been left floored by Tess Daly’s decision to quit the hit show (Image: bbc)

Tess Daly’s shock decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing has allegedly sparked chaos behind the scenes — with growing belief she was quietly “pushed out” amid a wider BBC shake-up. Insiders have claimed the star’s decision to quit the long-running series alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman may not have been as mutual as it looked, claiming the long-rumoured “pact” between the pair to leave together is “total nonsense”. A source exclusively told Express.co.uk: “There’s genuine confusion and disbelief.

“People completely understand why Claudia might go — she’s got huge projects away from Strictly and her career’s flying. But Tess? That’s a whole different story. The idea that they had some pact to leave together is being laughed off — nobody believes it.” Another production source claimed BBC bosses likely allowed Tess to “choose” to leave to save face. “Word is, she feared being sidelined in upcoming changes,” they said. “It’s no secret the BBC has been looking at refreshing its hosting line-up across several big shows.

“Tess was likely given the chance to bow out gracefully before anything was officially decided.”

The insider also hinted that tensions had been brewing for months, claiming Tess likely felt “pressured to leave” with Claudia.

“She’s incredibly professional, but the writing was on the wall,” they said. “There’s a sense she saw the change coming long before it was announced.”

But while Claudia’s departure was expected, staff say Tess’s has left them “stunned”. One source added: “Claudia’s exit makes sense — she’s got options everywhere. Tess’s, though, feels very different. It’s all a bit too neat. Most people think she didn’t really want to go — it just looks better if it seems like her idea.”

Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment on the claims as well as Tess’ representative.

The duo stunned fans two weeks ago when they announced in a joint video that they’d be leaving the hit series at the end of the current run, saying they’d “enjoy every last moment” before handing over “the very sparkly baton” to new hosts.

In a follow-up Instagram post, Tess, 56, wrote: “After 21 unforgettable years, the time has come to say goodbye to Strictly Come Dancing.

Strictly has always been about joy, celebration and bringing people together – and I’m so proud to have played a small part in something that continues to mean so much to so many.”

Claudia, 53, added: “I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go, and I know the new hosts will be magnificent. I look forward to watching them take Strictly to new heights.”

The BBC confirmed their final appearance will air on Christmas Day, with new presenters taking over in 2026. “Plans for next year’s series will be confirmed in due course,” a spokesperson said.

Rumours are now circulating about the pair’s replacements, with former This Morning star Holly Willoughby’s name being mentioned as a potential candidate.

Other celebrities believed to be contenders for the Strictly hosting gig include Alex Jones, who previously competed on the show in 2011, and Bradley Walsh.