It was one of the biggest celebrity news bombshell moments of 2025 when TV presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman revealed they were stepping down as Strictly Come Dancing hosts.

But for Tess in particular, after 21 years of fronting the show, the reality of a future without the show in her life is beginning to hit hard.

‘Friends say this Christmas was incredibly bittersweet for Tess. Normally she’s glowing, relaxed and in full festive mode, but this year it felt different,’ says our insiders.

‘There was a heaviness to everything. It was very emotional for her to say goodbye to Strictly and it’s left a huge gap. It’s the end of an era she’d held close to her heart for two decades. It’s no surprise she felt a bit lost over the holidays.’

Tess had co-hosted the BBC dance show since its debut back in 2004, alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Upon his departure after the 11th series, Tess, now 56, was joined by Claudia in 2014 and the duo had been the faces of Strictly ever since.

Following their joint decision to quit – with Claudia already seeing huge success as host of BBC’s The Traitors – Tess described her time at Strictly as ‘one of the greatest joys and privileges of [her] career’, but admitted, ‘It’s the right time to hand over the reins.’ Emotions were high following the Strictly Christmas special, which marked the pair’s last official appearance on the show.

‘They all sat down as a family to watch the Strictly Christmas special, and it was overwhelming for Tess,’ the insider continues. ‘She tried to keep it together, but it was her final show and the reality hit her hard. She doesn’t want to cry in front of the girls, but it’s all been emotional.’

The TV presenter shares two daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 16, with Radio 2 DJ husband Vernon Kay, 51.

‘The family are worried about her quietly,’ the insider reveals. ‘It really drove home that an era is over for her. Tess is normally so sure of herself, but right now she feels uncertain about what the new year holds.’

Throughout the career uncertainty that the BBC presenter is experiencing, our insider says that husband Vernon has been trying to keep her at ease.

‘Vernon has been her rock and supporting her every step of the way. He knows how much Strictly meant to her and how much of her identity was wrapped up in it,’ the source says. ‘The next chapter is unknown, and she’s trying to be brave about it.’

As Closer previously reported, Tess could be making the move over to ITV, as bosses are eyeing up her and Vernon for a spot as hosts on the This Morning sofa. ‘Tess knows exciting opportunities are coming, but she still feels uncertain,’ the insider continues. ‘Strictly was safe, familiar and comfortable, and she’ll miss the world she’s stepped away from. Vernon is supporting her all the way, and those close to her say she’ll find her feet again. She always does.’