Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are reportedly planning a boozy wrap party to celebrate their departure from Strictly Come Dancing, after bidding an emotional farewell to the show.
The duo hosted their last ever live show on Saturday after 21 years working on the show, and will front the series for the final time in the pre-recorded Christmas Special on Thursday.
While Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, both joined the Strictly cast at the wrap party at the weekend, sources have now revealed they’re planning a much boozier celebration in the New Year.
Tess had partied until the early hours, even leading a singalong of Three Lions in honour of footballer Karen Carney’s win, but Claudia opted to leave the bash after just one drink.
The star as been part of the series since its very first episode back in 2004 where she presented alongside the late Bruce Forsyth, with Claudia taking over from Sir Bruce when he retired in 2013.
A source said: ‘Tess and Claudia are arranging a big Strictly gathering in the New Year for all the team to get together and have a proper boozy send-off.’
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are reportedly planning a boozy wrap party to celebrate their departure from StrictlyCome Dancing, after bidding an emotional farewell to the show
The duo hosted their last ever live show on Saturday after 21 years working on the show, and will front the series for the final time in the pre-recorded Christmas Special on Thursday.
They went on to tell The Sun: ‘It’ll be a long lunch with all their closest friends on the show where everyone can really let loose behind closed doors.
‘Claudia only stayed for a quiet drink on Saturday so this intimate wrap party will be a lovely goodbye for everyone.’
Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman for comment.
Viewers will get to give Tess and Claudia their last ever farewell during the Strictly Christmas Special later this week.
It sees the judges – Craig Revel Horwood, Shirley Ballas, Anton du Beke and Motsi Mabuse – give Tess a special Christmas gift.
The presenter, who has been with Strictly since day one, is treated to an Argentine Tango with pro Aljaž Škorjanec – who sweeps her off her feet.
Meanwhile, Claudia, 53, is given a grand goodbye by the show’s musical director Dave Arch.
The pair have a long-running joke of an on-screen ‘romance’, with Dave bidding farewell to Claudia in the style of beloved romcom Love Actually.
While Tess and Claudia both joined the Strictly cast at the wrap party, sources have now revealed they’re planning a much boozier celebration in the New Year
There were a number of emotional tributes to the Claudia and Tess during Saturday’s final including a special compilation video with messages from the Strictly crew and Mary Berry.
And the pair were left blown away after being surprised by a letter from Queen Camilla herself, which was read out by judge Craig Revel Horwood.
It said: ‘Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
‘I have often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome, and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
‘If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion, and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.
‘I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous. I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, do promise us one thing, keep dancing.
‘With the warmest gratitude and admiration, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.’
Thanking fans, a visibly emotional Tess said: ‘I can’t speak now. What an honour. Thank you so much for your lovely words, from the bottom of the hearts it means so much to us.’
Claudia replied: ‘That is amazing, what a wonderful surprise. Thank you so much. We have loved being part of such a wonderful show. It has been a privilege to be a part of your weekends.’
The duo announced their exits in a joint video on Instagram in October, saying the time had come to ‘pass over the baton’ as they shared their gratitude for being able to take part in the ‘amazing show.’
There were a number of emotional tributes to the Claudia and Tess during Saturday’s final, including a letter from Queen Camilla herself
Claudia began: ‘There have been some rumblings and we want you to hear this from us’, as Tess continued: ‘We have news, after 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass over the baton.’
‘The very sparkly baton!’ Claudia laughed, before turning to her co-star and pal to add: ‘You’ve been here since the beginning.’
Tess replied: ‘With Bruce, lovely Bruce [Forsyth], and that was over two decades ago but a lot of the time has been with you.
‘It’s been a huge part of our lives since our children were literally babes in arms, and now they’re adults, and I think genuinely we have cherished every second.’
Claudia concluded: ‘We have, we’re so lucky to have been part of this amazing show and we just want to thank the Strictly team, because Strictly is the people who make it.’
