Janette Manrara addressed the departure of Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman during today’s broadcast of It Takes Two, acknowledging the morning’s announcement that shocked Strictly Come Dancing fans.
The presenter opened the BBC Two programme by referencing the news that both hosts would be departing the show after the current series concludes.
“Tess has presented the show since its very first episode alongside the legendary Sir Bruce [Forsyth], whilst Claudia originally presented our show [It Takes Two] before moving over to host the results show alongside Tess in 2010,” Ms Manrara told viewers.
She expressed the production team’s sentiments about losing the presenting duo.
“They’ve both presented the main and results show since 2014. Ladies, we are going to miss you both so much!” she said.
The former professional dancer’s comments came hours after the morning announcement that sent shockwaves through the Strictly fanbase, with many wondering about the exact schedule for the hosts’ remaining episodes.
During the It Takes Two instalment, Ms Manrara detailed the extensive broadcasting careers of both departing presenters.
She highlighted that Ms Daly had been with the programme for over two decades, beginning her journey in 2004 alongside Bruce Forsyth.
Janette addressed the news that Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly would be stepping down from their BBC Strictly roles
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BBC
The partnership between Daly and Forsyth lasted a decade, with the television veteran departing after eleven series in 2014.
That same year marked a significant transition as Winkleman moved from her It Takes Two role to become Ms Daly’s co-presenter on the main programme.
Ms Winkleman’s association with Strictly also spans an impressive 21 years, having initially joined the franchise in 2004.
She first hosted the companion show before transitioning to the results programme in 2010, where she worked alongside Ms Daly for four years before their full co-hosting partnership began.
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Both presenters released individual statements expressing deep emotion about their departure.
Ms Daly described the programme as being “about joy, celebration, and bringing people together”.
She went on to acknowledge that stepping down “feels like the right time to hand over the reins.”
She paid particular tribute to her co-presenter, stating: “To my beloved Claud, what an absolute joy and pleasure it has been sharing this adventure with you.
“You’re one of a kind, and I’ll treasure every giggle, every live show, and every backstage moment we’ve shared.”
Ms Winkleman characterised the programme as “the greatest relationship of my career” and described it as “a magical, glittery, fake-tanned train.”
She reflected: “I’ve always believed it’s best to leave a party before you’re fully ready to go.”
