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The recent announcement of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman stepping down as the presenters of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing came as a shock to many, including the current contestants. Having hosted the show for 21 and 11 years respectively, their joint decision was revealed via an Instagram video, catching even the stars of the latest series by surprise. George Clarke, alongside other participants, discovered the news through social media rather than any formal briefing. “I think we found out as everybody else did, just on their socials, which I’m constantly refreshing anyway, as I’m a big fan,” Clarke said. Similarly, actor Lewis Cope expressed his astonishment: “We were so shocked. And then we were told later, it had to be that way, and they couldn’t really give anyone a heads up.”
Daly and Winkleman indicated in their joint statement that they had planned to leave together and felt that “now feels like the right time.” However, their departure signals a significant transition for Strictly, a show that has faced a number of controversies over recent years. Most notably, it emerged on Thursday night that a male star associated with the programme was arrested last month on suspicion of rape, though this incident is not believed to be connected to the ongoing series. Hertfordshire Police confirmed the individual was released on bail under investigation.
As the show approaches its iconic episode filmed at Blackpool Tower Ballroom this weekend, speculation continues about who will fill the void left by the long-standing hosts. Several names, including Alan Carr and Holly Willoughby, have been mentioned. Balvinder Sopal, an EastEnders actor and current contestant, remarked on the significance of the change: “You feel like it’s the end of an era, and you don’t know what the show is going to look like in the future.” BBC’s chief content officer, Kate Phillips, shared on the Rest is Entertainment podcast that she has received a large volume of interest from potential replacements, stating, “We have had so many people who are keen to be considered, which is great.”
Despite the upheaval off the dancefloor, the competition intensifies as it moves into its crucial stages. For many celebrities and professionals, reaching the Blackpool week is viewed as a major achievement. Lewis Cope called it “the first big milestone,” appreciating not just the challenge but also the local fish and chips. Former footballer Karen Carney echoed this sentiment, sharing her family’s pride in her progress. Unfortunately, drag performer La Voix had to withdraw from the Blackpool episode due to injury but will continue in the competition with a bye to the next week. The remaining couples will perform alongside live acts including Lewis Capaldi and Steps, as well as past Strictly finalists participating in the special event. As the pressure mounts, Amber Davies, a previous Love Island winner and current contestant, maintains a determined focus: “I don’t want to look back with regrets. I’m literally pushing my mind and my body to the furthest it can go.”
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