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In strictly come danceThere has been very little drama or controversies on the show in its 21-year history. But the latest story is too important to avoid.
Thursday host Tess Daly And claudia winkelmann – the first female duo to present a primetime program on British television – announced that they had made it joint decision to step down At the end of the current run.
It was news that sent everyone into shock via WhatsApp groups, with fans wondering who could replace the pair and what was going on behind the scenes that led to the mid-series announcement on Instagram.
And while the show’s history (for better or worse) rarely acknowledges events that take place outside the ballroom, Winkleman and Daly opened Saturday’s program by addressing the elephant in the room.
“We want to thank you for your beautiful messages,” Winkelman said. “We have eight more weeks but it’s not about us. It’s about this incredible show [we have] A Strictly champion will be crowned.”
“We can’t wait to spend the rest of the series with you, our incredible couples, and these four guys,” Daly said while introducing the judges.
While Winkleman is correct in saying that the series “isn’t about him and Daly,” his upcoming exit has certainly cast doubt on the Saturday night show. And for the first time, the future of strictly Seems vague.
Of course, the show has weathered storms before. But even during last year’s controversy-filled series – including two professionals forced to leave before launch, and then again during the infamous “hand-gate” – you never got the feeling that the program wouldn’t survive.
Saturday night’s episode left such a deep impact at home that it’s hard to imagine strictly That’s what it would look like without Winkleman and Daly.
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hosting the event For many reasons, it’s a job that’s unlike any other.
Running over two and a half hours, the early episodes are a huge task and the quick set changes offer countless possibilities for hiccups. As well as running the show smoothly and ensuring that the audience is entertained both in the studio and at home, the presenters provide a huge amount of support to the contestants, helping them with their nerves and consoling them when the criticisms and scores get a little hard to hear.
Winkleman in particular – who spends most of the show in the ‘Clauditorium’, which I really hope retains its name – does a great job of effortlessly keeping the quips going as she consoles or congratulates each couple after their performances, while she remains on the in-ear monitors waiting for someone to tell her that the judges’ scores are ready.
On Saturday night former Lioness Karen Carney needed a confidence boost after her Rumba didn’t go to plan, while Vicky Pattison became emotional after a video message from her Icon’s Week pick, Cheryl. Winkleman, as always, handled each situation with excellence and ease – but each time she did so, the audience was subtly reminded that she would no longer be in the role any time soon.
While watching the show, it was impossible not to feel the clock ticking until the hosts left and I often found myself thinking about this year’s finale. How will bosses balance focusing on the Class of 2025 while also celebrating and bidding farewell to the presenting duo? It’s a dilemma they will surely face a lot in the coming weeks.
strictly It’s not about Daly and Winkleman, but it’s certainly hard to imagine the show without them.