By Salma El-Sakka
Strictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has admitted she was “saddened” by the departure of long-time presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly, who left the BBC show in October 2025 after more than two decades.
Ballas Reflects on Departure
Speaking to Prima magazine, Ballas, 66, said she had grown close to the duo since joining the show in 2017, recalling their laughter from the adjacent changing room. “Of course, I was very saddened to hear [they were leaving],” she said, adding that she has since enjoyed getting to know their successors: Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe, and former professional dancer Johannes Radebe.
New Hosts Announced
Willis, Widdicombe, and Radebe were confirmed as the new presenting team following Winkleman and Daly’s exit. Ballas noted her prior connections with Willis from “Cooking With The Stars” and with Widdicombe from other TV appearances, while expressing particular fondness for Radebe, whom she has known since 2018. “He’s just a superstar in my book,” she said.
Winkleman and Daly Bid Farewell
Winkleman and Daly announced their departures in October 2025. Winkleman described the show as a “magical, glittery, fake tanned train” and said it was a privilege to be part of it. Daly, who had been with the programme since its 2004 launch, called it “more than just a television programme” and thanked her co-host and the production teams. Both expressed excitement for the new hosts to take the show to new heights.
