Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman will leave Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the current series – with their final appearance airing on Christmas Day.

Tess has hosted since the show began 21 years ago, with Claudia joining as co-host in 2014.

The two academics from Coventry University’s Centre for Dance Research (Dr Kathryn Stamp and Dr Karen Wood) led the project ‘Strictly’ Inclusive: Co-creating the past, present and future, exploring how the show reflects and shapes ideas around inclusion and accessibility in dance. They have also written for The Conversation on how Strictly can better support all dancers.

With two of British TV’s biggest roles now open, Dr Kathryn Stamp and Dr Karen Wood answered a few questions that I put to them about Strictly and what the future holds.

Legacy and Representation
Q: Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have been at the heart of Strictly for years. What do you think has been the significance of their partnership – particularly as an all-female presenting duo – for representation on prime-time television?

Strictly was and continues to be one of the biggest live entertainment shows on British television. Having two female presenters anchoring the programme demonstrates the importance of who we see in key roles on television. Our research has explored Strictly Come Dancing’s track record around inclusivity, and perhaps Tess and Claudia’s introduction as the hosting team was a moment that really started this, given the impact it’s had. Since 2017, we have seen greater inclusion of disabled contestants and same-sex coupling, as well as different dance styles being platformed through the Couple’s Choice or the Professional numbers.

Cultural Impact
Strictly has become a staple of British culture. How do you think Tess and Claudia have helped shape the show’s tone and connection with audiences over the years?

Part of what audiences love about Strictly is the pleasure of watching and joy that is felt. It is a form of escapism particularly during challenging times and through the colder months! Tess and Claudia have been a huge part of that. They are excellent at their jobs! There is a lot to manage on a show like Strictly, from the different people involved (contestants, judges, band, audience etc.) to the mechanics of a live show with multiple moving parts. Tess and Claudia manage this brilliantly, they can keep the show moving and navigate all the different elements, whilst being attentive to the highs and lows being experienced by the contestants.

Diversity and Inclusion
Your research explores how Strictly reflects and promotes inclusion. How have Tess and Claudia contributed to that inclusive image, both on screen and behind the scenes?

One of the standout moments is when Tess started using British Sign Language (BSL) back in 2021 when Rose Ayling-Ellis was competing on the show. That series was the start of a significant shift in how the show was communicated to audiences. Since then, they’ve introduced live BSL and live Audio Description, which is so important for audiences to be able to access the programme. Claudia has such a skill with interviewing in particular, and people seem really at ease with her which is important when it comes to inclusive practice – they have such fun with her!

The Future of Hosting
With both roles now open, what kind of presenters do you think the BBC should look for – and what would different choices (e.g., more diverse backgrounds or dance experience) signal about the show’s future direction?

Of course, we would love to see more diversity in the choice of new presenters, and to be a reflection of British society in 2026 and beyond, this is important. When it comes to whether the presenters need experience in dance, we’re not so sure. They certainly need an awareness of what the celebrities go through during their training, and it is useful for them to be able to understand the judges’ comments, but it probably isn’t a dealbreaker. The biggest thing is that they are talented, engaging presenters who can manage a show like Strictly.

Audience Connection
Why do you think Strictly Come Dancing continues to resonate so deeply with audiences, even after more than two decades on air?

Strictly resonates because it offers much more than a dance competition. Viewers watch transformation, risk, joy and connection, to name a few things! Our research through the Strictly Inclusive project showed that people from disabled and LGBT+ communities feel more seen and they engaged with the show when it platforms who gets to dance and how. When dancers challenge the “who should dance” norms, it invites a broader audience in. The show’s glitz matters, but it is the human stories of effort, artistry and change that have the biggest impact. We learn more about the people on the show, and many important, shared personal and societal issues have been spotlighted, such as grief, illness and self-doubt, demonstrating how dance is a powerful activity for expressing yourself.

Potential Format Changes
Do you think this change in presenters could open the door to broader shifts in the show’s format, tone or even how it engages viewers?

There is absolutely a chance that a change in presenters could open doors for broader shifts in the show’s format. Tess and Claudia have been a huge part of the programme’s ‘brand’, so this change will have to be carefully managed. There have been lots of examples of change on international versions of the show, from different themed weeks to additional tasks, and Strictly itself has seen changes over the years. Tess and Claudia’s departure might signal that the show is ready to evolve beyond its existing frame, and change can be divisive!

Prime-Time Diversity
In your view, how important is it for high-profile shows like Strictly to continue leading the way on diversity, accessibility and representation?

It is very important because when something is on mainstream prime time TV, it carries a message about what society values. Our research emphasised that having disabled and LGBT+ participants compete is not just symbolic but has real impact: it highlights representation, Strictly is informative and challenges assumptions about who dance is for, which we believe is everyone! The BBC, with its public service role, has the opportunity to set the standard. If Strictly shows diverse bodies, identities and stories being communicated to millions at home then it helps to build inclusion into the default way things are done.

Public Engagement and the BBC’s Role
Your project was supported as part of the BBC’s centenary celebrations. What have you learned about the BBC’s role in shaping how the nation sees and experiences dance?

Working on the Strictly Inclusive project uncovered how the BBC shapes what the nation sees. Because the BBC archives and airs dance programmes with its wide reach, it becomes part of cultural memory and everyday discussion. People talk about what’s happening on the show with friends and colleagues; they watch the programme with the family, across generations. The BBC’s role is not just to broadcast dance but to preserve, reflect and evolve the traditions of dance on television with awareness of inclusion and representation.

Community Voices
You’ve worked with disabled and LGBT+ dance communities. What do participants in your project feel Strictly gets right – and where could it do more to represent their experiences?

From our work with disabled and LGBT+ dance communities we found that many participants feel Strictly is giving more visibility to non‐traditional pairing and bodies we don’t often see moving on TV. But they also feel the show could do more. Some viewers only started engaging with the show when there was someone on it that they could connect with, who represented their experiences. They suggested more frequent inclusion (not just occasional special stories), more choreography designed with diverse bodies in mind and more accessibility for audiences. In short, they like that the door is open but want the welcome mat to be permanent and expansive.

Dance in Challenging Times
Finally, why do you think dance – and shows like Strictly - continue to offer something powerful and unifying for audiences, especially in uncertain or difficult times?

They give us something to watch together, root for together and feel with together. In uncertain or difficult times, people appreciate moments of creativity, connection nostalgia and joy. We are also witnessing people growing, learning new skills and developing a new passion for dance. It’s not just entertainment; it is affirmation that everyone belongs. Strictly offers a shared space where people of different backgrounds, ages and life experiences can feel part of something larger. That is very valuable.