Quick Read
- Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly announced they will leave Strictly Come Dancing after the current season.
- Winkleman is also the host of The Traitors and Celebrity Traitors, which saw Alan Carr win the latest series.
- Speculation is high about who will replace Claudia, with Alan Carr, Rylan Clark, and La Voix among suggested names.
- Jonathan Ross revealed Celebrity Traitors was emotionally tough for contestants, with lingering tension post-show.
- BBC has not confirmed a second season of Celebrity Traitors, but interest from celebrities remains strong.
Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly: A Glittering Partnership Draws to a Close
For over a decade, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly have been the heart and soul of Strictly Come Dancing. Their chemistry, warmth, and quick wit turned the weekly dance spectacle into a genuine staple of British culture. But as autumn leaves fall in 2025, the duo announced that this season would be their last at the helm. The news, delivered via a heartfelt social media statement and a candid video, struck a chord with millions of fans.
“We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time,” they said, emphasizing their unity and gratitude to the BBC and the entire production team. The pair’s final episodes are expected to be emotional affairs, with Claudia joking about swapping ballroom glamour for pizza and tracksuits at home. After more than a decade of glitter and drama, their departure marks the end of an era for the show and for Saturday night television.
Claudia’s Impact: From Strictly to The Traitors
Winkleman’s television journey didn’t begin or end with Strictly. In recent years, she’s become synonymous with The Traitors and its celebrity spin-off, shows that have captivated the nation with their psychological drama and unpredictable twists. Claudia’s hosting style—brisk, playful, and disarmingly sincere—proved to be the perfect fit for a program built on secrets and suspicion.
Season one of Celebrity Traitors saw high-profile participants like Stephen Fry, Celia Imrie, Nick Mohammed, Alan Carr, and Jonathan Ross. The show’s finale was a masterclass in tension, with Alan Carr outfoxing his fellow contestants to claim victory. Claudia’s ability to balance suspense with empathy made her indispensable to the show’s success.
The Rumor Mill: Who Will Step Into Claudia’s Shoes?
With Claudia and Tess bowing out, speculation over their replacements has reached fever pitch. Alan Carr, fresh off his Celebrity Traitors win, is rumored to be in the running. He told Radio Times, “Apparently my name is in the hat but I haven’t spoken to anyone at the BBC. You saw how sweaty I was in the [Traitors] castle, imagine me live on a Saturday night coming down those stairs. People would slip in a pool of my sweat while doing the fandango.”
Other contenders include Rylan Clark, Emma Willis, Graham Norton, and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star La Voix, who’s openly lobbied for the job. La Voix, a fan favorite on this year’s Strictly, even took over hosting duties for a brief segment, jokingly asking Claudia for the BBC’s CV submission address. The mix of established names and emerging talents underscores the significance of the role Claudia is leaving behind.
Inside The Traitors: Fame, Games, and Aftermath
Claudia’s work on The Traitors isn’t just about hosting—it’s about navigating the emotional minefield the show creates. Jonathan Ross, one of the celebrity traitors, admitted on the Reel Talk podcast that the experience was “hard,” and that some contestants still hold grudges over the game’s betrayals. The psychological toll is real, and Claudia’s empathetic hosting helped participants and viewers alike manage the tension.
Beyond the drama, the show’s success has inspired a wave of celebrities keen to join future seasons. Gareth Southgate, Alison Hammond, Dermot O’Leary, and even Mike Tindall have expressed interest. The blend of reality TV veterans and newcomers promises another gripping chapter, though the BBC has yet to confirm a second celebrity season.
What Comes Next for Claudia Winkleman?
With two of the UK’s biggest shows in her rearview mirror, Claudia’s future is open—and intriguing. She’s proven herself as a presenter who can handle high stakes, emotional complexity, and live television’s unpredictability. Her departure from Strictly isn’t an exit from public life but a pivot. Will she take on new formats, develop original programming, or step back for a while to savor home life? For now, she’s keeping her cards close to her chest.
Her legacy is secure: Claudia Winkleman changed the way British TV feels. She brought warmth and authenticity to spaces that could easily have become sterile or formulaic. Whether she’s guiding nervous dancers through their first waltz or coaxing confessions from celebrity traitors, she connects—genuinely and memorably.
Claudia Winkleman’s decision to step down from Strictly Come Dancing and continue shaping The Traitors highlights her rare ability to reinvent herself while staying true to her roots. As the BBC faces a pivotal moment in TV history, her legacy is a testament to the power of human connection and authenticity in entertainment.