Tess Daly flooded with support as she issues emotional | UK News

Tess Daly has marked a major second in Strictly Come Dancing historical past as she prepares for her  remaining ever live show, sharing an emotional message that sparked an outpouring of support from stars and followers alike. With rehearsals drawing to a close forward of Saturday night time’s grand finale (December 20), the long-serving presenter first shared a snap from the enduring BBC set as the crew lined up for a group image. Taking to Instagram, Tess wrote: “My last day of rehearsals, my heart is so full, the Strictly family I’ll have forever.” Tess then revealed she arrived at the studio to discover her dressing room had been embellished forward of the ultimate.

She shared a smile as she sat down surrounded by photos from over the years caught to the wall under a banner that read: “Thank you for the memories”. There was also a choice of scrumptious treats on the espresso desk, with silver and gold confetti scattered in every single place. The messages shortly struck a chord, with mates, colleagues and viewers reacting in droves as the truth of her departure — alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman — started to sink in.

Close pal Rylan Clarke was among the first to remark, merely posting: “Love you x”. Others from the Strictly world adopted, with Vito Coppola sharing a coronary heart emoji, while Karen Carney and La Voix also confirmed their support.

Professional dancer Amy Dowden admitted she was struggling with the news, writing: “Not ready for this”.

Even Zoe Ball, who has been rumoured as a doable future host, weighed in with a message of encouragement. She wrote: “Oh Tess, maintain tight tomorrow. You & Claud are Goddesses. so a lot love.”

Fans watching the countdown to the final echoed those sentiments, many insisting the show will never be the same again.

One supporter wrote: “Enjoy every minute of it xxx super proud of your magnificent achievement. Love you xxx.”

Another added: “It’s not going to be the same without you and Claud. I wish you continued success and much happiness but wish you would stay!” A third said bluntly: “Doesn’t matter who they bring in they won’t match you two.”

Tess, 56, announced earlier in the series that she would be stepping down after 21 years on the BBC flagship, closing the chapter alongside Claudia after more than a decade presenting together.

She has been part of Strictly since its very first episode in 2004, originally fronting the show alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Bruce remained by her side until his retirement in 2013, with Claudia later joining the presenting team and forming one of the most recognisable duos in British television.

The emotion has not been limited to Tess alone. Earlier on Friday, her husband Vernon Kay admitted he was struggling to hold back tears as he reflected on her time on the show, calling her run “an amazing 21 years”.

Speaking on his BBC Radio 2 show, he said:”‘She has been at the helm of that show with Bruce and with Claudia, and it has been nothing but raucous enjoyable. It’s been the favorite show of the nation for so long since it began, and it is seen our two children arrive through the show as effectively.”