Tess Daly throws doubt over Strictly exit as Claudia Winkleman's true feelings exposed

Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman are to leave the show. The BBC presenting duo said their final appearance would come on this year's Christmas special show on 25 December. Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, announced their departure in a candid video uploaded to the former's Instagram account. Following their shock announcement body language expert Judi James has shared her thoughts and how both presenters really feel about their respective departures.

The expert suggested Tess appeared "less assured" about the announcement while Claudia was the opposite. Judi shared Claudia's true feelings have been unveiled, as the presenter has become "the hottest, most sought after name on TV".

Speaking to Paddy Power Games, Judi explained: "The Instagram video looks like Thelma and Louise levels of behaviour, to announce together and mid-series and to both quit together - until you remember that Claudia is the hottest, most sought after name on TV at the moment.

"Of course, there are what appear to be clues from their body language here. Claudia is the confident one using specific 'measuring' gestures to get her message across."

She continued: "But her body is scrunched throughout in a position of focused listening and attention on Tess. She signals she is the one being supportive here and she watches Tess like a protective, loving parent.

"Tess looks less assured and a little more emotional. She seems to draw strength from Claudia, making it look very much like any back story is primarily hers."

Tess has presented since the first series 21 years ago. Claudia joined in 2014, having hosted Strictly's sister show It Takes Two since 2004.

"We will cry when we say the last 'keep dancing' but we will continue to say it to each other," said the duo.

"Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza."

In a statement released hours later, the BBC said it would announce plans for the 2026 series of Strictly "in due course".