Fans were feeling tearful during Tess and Claudia’s final show

Strictly Come Dancing viewers became emotional as they tuned into the series finale – and the last show to be hosted by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman.

The presenters announced earlier this year that after more than two decades on the show.

As the final show opened, the two introduced the instalment as usual, appearing tearful and making an iconic entrance.

Following a lively group dance that saw previous couples return to the floor, the hosts walked down the stairs, arm in arm with Johannes Radebe and Aljaž Škorjanec respectively.

BBC Strictly: The finale marks Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s last show

 | BBC

Ms Winkleman then turned around to show the pair’s signature catchphrase “keep dancing” eblazoned on the back of her black blazer.

Ms Daly pointed towards the words as she smiled and the audience broke into applause.

With the pair also seeming moved, fans at home admitted they were already “crying”.

One penned on X: “WOW OUR LAST TIME SEEING THESE TWO!!!! IDK HOW AM I’M GONNA COPE AFTER TONIGHT. AND THIS IS JUST THE INTRO. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly #StrictlyFinale #SCD2025.”

BBC Strictly: Tess Daly was led down the stairs to the stage by Aljaž Škorjanec

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BBC

A second wrote: “I’m already a puddle on the floor #Strictly,” while a third echoed: “5 mins in and I’m already crying #Strictly.”

Posting the image with the message on Ms Winkleman’s outfit, another shared: “We will but it won’t be the same without you both. #StrictlyComeDancing #Strictly #strictlyfinal #StrictlyComeDancingfinal.”

“That opening was adorable. Claudia Winkleman, the woman you are. How are never gonna have a strictly without her again after tonight #Strictly,” another commented.

Someone else quipped: “Me pretending it isn’t Tess and Claudia’s final show together #Strictly.”

BBC Strictly: Claudia and Tess left viewers in tears

 | BBC

“It’s only just hitting me that this is Claudia and Tess’ final show #Strictly,” another posted.

One more fan added: “All the feels as Tess and Claudia do their final live – and teary – #Strictly opening link. #StrictlyFinal #StrictlyComeDancing.” (sic)

The final show will see Amber Davies and Nikita Kuzmin, George Clarke and Alexis Warr and Karen Carney and Carlos Gu battling it out to be crowned this year’s winners.

As well as a show dance each, the couples will perform a memorable routine from the series, picked out by the judges, and a third dance.

BBC Strictly: Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly are leaving the show

 | BBC

Amber and Nikita kickedd off the show with their Paso Doble, picked by Shirley Ballas, to Dream on by Aerosmith.George and Alexis performed their Viennese Waltz to Queen’s Somebody to Love, which had been selected by Anton Du Beke.

Karen and Carlos took to the floor with their Argentine Tango, chosen by Motsi Mabuse.

They once again danced the routine to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds.