Queen Camilla paid tribute to Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman during Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing final, marking the duo's last live show as presenters after more than a decade together.
Judge Craig Revel Horwood read the Queen's message aloud during the broadcast. "As you prepare to take your final twirl, I just wanted to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week," Camilla wrote. "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous."
The Queen, who has described herself as one of Strictly's "greatest fans" and attends Silver Swans ballet classes, praised the presenters' partnership. "The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show's success," her message continued.
Tearful farewells
Judges Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood became emotional during the show while addressing Daly. "I can't tell you how much I've loved, Tess, spending the last 21 years with you. I love you," Du Beke said.
Revel Horwood added: "I've just realised this is the judges last little thing with Tess. That's replicated by all of us, we all deeply and dearly love you. We're going to miss you like you would not believe."
Daly, 56, fought back tears as she thanked the judges.
The presenter has hosted Strictly since its 2004 launch, initially alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth. Winkleman, 53, joined as co-host in 2014.
Surprise tribute
In a lighter moment, professional dancers and judges surprised Winkleman by donning replicas of her signature black wig and fringe as she announced the opening of voting. Winkleman screamed: "Oh my god! I can't cope!"
The Duchess of Edinburgh appeared in a video message, praising contestant Ellie Goldstein for challenging perceptions about people with learning disabilities. Goldstein, a model and Mencap supporter who competed earlier in the series, was celebrated by Sophie for her impact. "I'm patron of Mencap and Ellie is one of our amazing supporters. She has dispelled quite a number of perceptions of people with learning disabilities," Sophie said.
Historic win
Former footballer Karen Carney and professional partner Carlos Gu won, lifting the Glitterball trophy in an emotional finale. Carney, 38, became the first footballer to win Strictly. "I cannot believe it, I just want to say thank you to everybody that has supported our journey [...] I can't believe it, it's been the biggest privilege and honour, I'm lost for words," she said after the victory announcement.
Professional partner Carlos Gu became emotional, telling the audience: "Thank you Karen Carney, I love you. Thank you for being so incredible this whole journey, you taught me so much. Thank you for changing my life [...]"
The three-couple final featured Carney competing against West End star Amber Davies with Nikita Kuzmin, and internet personality George Clarke with Alexis Warr. Each pair performed three routines during the finale.
End of an era
Daly and Winkleman announced their departure in October via a joint statement. "We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream," they said. "We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time."
The duo will appear together one final time in a pre-recorded festive special airing on Christmas Day.
Daly recently received a Guinness World Record for being the longest-serving host of the same dance competition television show, with a tenure of 21 years and 216 days. Vernon Kay, Daly's husband and BBC Radio 2 presenter, attended the final with their eldest daughter Phoebe.
The BBC did not announce replacement presenters, though speculation has centered on names including Zoe Ball, Rylan Clark, and Janette Manrara.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
