Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman Reflect on ‘Wonderful Times’ at Final Strictly Show in Blackpool

Tess Daly arrived in Blackpool with Claudia Winkleman on Friday ahead of her final special show at the iconic ballroom with Strictly Come Dancing. 

Reflecting on all her ‘wonderful times,’ as she prepares to step down from the BBC show with her co-host Claudia Winkleman, the presenter, 56, flashed a smile before heading into rehearsals. 

Tess and Claudia announced they would be leaving the series when it wraps next month. 

Sharing a series of photos from her years at Blackpool, she reflected on all her ‘lasts’ with Strictly and her ‘precious memories’ at the venue. 

Tess wrote: ‘Today we are back in Blackpool for our Strictly rehearsals ahead of tomorrow’s live show. 

‘It’s had me reflecting on all the ‘last times’ we’re experiencing as our time on the show comes to a close.’

The presenter continued: ‘Blackpool holds such a special place in my heart, not only for the unforgettable shows presenting alongside Bruce [Forsyth] and Claudia for so many years, but also for the warm Northern welcome we always receive here at the iconic home of ballroom in the UK. 

‘We’ve had so many wonderful times here: unforgettable dances, fish and chips every year without fail, and an audience that always welcomes us with open arms. 

‘I’ve been looking back on some precious Blackpool memories, and I can’t wait for you to join us for tomorrow’s show- I’ve seen a sneak peek at our couples routines and they promise to be absolutely brilliant. Let’s go out with a bang, Blackpool!’ 

Elsewhere, Lewis Cope and his partner Katya Jones led the stars as they stepped out for rehearsals ahead of the iconic special. 

The actor, 30, and the professional dancer, 36, wrapped up as they left their hotel and headed to practice.

Katya was wrapped up in a long grey coat with a black faux fur scarf and boots as she beamed at the cameras while heading to her cab.

Meanwhile, Lewis opted for a black jacket over a green hoodie and grey joggers.

Following behind was pregnant Dianne Buswell, who appeared in great spirits, leaving the hotel. 

Also seen leaving were Vito Coppola, Neil Jones and Carlos Gu, while Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon were spotted deep in conversation in the cab.

Last weekend, La Voix left presenter Tess speechless with a P45 joke during the live show on Saturday night.

Viewers of the BBC hit tuned in as week eight got underway, with the remaining couples dancing for a place in next week’s competition from Blackpool.

La Voix and their professional partner Aljaž Škorjanec closed the show with their Couple’s Choice.

They performed to ‘Don’t Rain On My Parade’ by Barbra Streisand. 

As the pair made their way over to Tess, La Voix couldn’t help but address the mother-of-two receiving an MBE this week.

She was made an MBE for her services to broadcasting and charity work as she dedicated the accolade to her late father Vivian who passed away in 2003.  

La Voix said on the dance floor: ‘Can we have a moment please? Tess Daly MBE.

As the audience erupted into applause, Tess said: ‘That’s very kind, thank you La Voix.’ 

She then replied: ‘I’m so proud of you. P45 and an MBE in one month, you’re having a hell of an autumn aren’t you? Oh gosh.’

Tess burst out laughing – as did the audience – and was left speechless by the joke. 

In a bid to get the show back on the road, she called on head judge Shirley Ballas to begin with her comments on the performance.  

Earlier this month Tess and Claudia Winkleman shocked Strictly fans when they revealed they would be stepping down at the end of this series.

Daily Mail revealed one of Strictly’s most senior bosses has put forward Paddy McGuinness to replace Claudia.

BBC sources say Suzy Lamb, the managing director of BBC Studios, who worked with McGuinness when he hosted low-rent ITV dating show Take Me Out, believes that he would be the ‘perfect fit’ for interviewing contestants.

That was the role Ms Winkleman made her own, and Ms Lamb is said to believe McGuinness’s light-hearted approach when quizzing couples about their dates would easily transfer to chatting to stars and their dance partners.

But the prospect of McGuinness taking over Strictly has prompted much fury among Ms Lamb’s colleagues, with some aghast that she would want Strictly to have any connection to the ITV show with its innuendos and casual sexism. 

A BBC source said: ‘Suzy put Paddy forward in a meeting. She really, really got behind him. She clearly thinks he’s great.

‘He hardly has the track record to be doing such a role. Neither Top Gear or Question of Sport is with us any more. He isn’t a fit for Strictly, and there have been some very vocal people shouting it down.

‘As if you would base Strictly on a show like Take Me Out. Strictly is a national treasure.’

A BBC Studios spokesman, however, denied that any conversation had taken place.

Other names touted to replace Tess and Claudia include Holly Willoughby, Zoe Ball, Alex Jones and Bradley Walsh.