They may have taken their final bow on the Strictly Come Dancing stage, but Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman proved this week that their partnership is far from over.
The beloved presenting duo reunited in celebratory style as Tess launched her brand-new activewear collection in collaboration with NAIA Beach — and Claudia was right by her side, offering support, smiles, and plenty of affection.
Claudia shared a glowing photo from the event on Instagram, posing arm-in-arm with Tess and praising her longtime friend.
“Brilliant @tessdaly at the launch of her amazing @naia_beach activewear collection,” she wrote. “It’s beautiful,” punctuating the post with a trail of red heart emojis.
Tess’s new range blends comfort with statement style, featuring a bold blue two-piece inspired by classic Pucci prints alongside a sleek grey co-ord with a subtle animal pattern. The collection reflects Tess’s effortless elegance — and the launch felt like a confident step into a new chapter.
For fans, the reunion carried special meaning. Just weeks earlier, viewers watched Tess and Claudia say an emotional goodbye to Strictly during the Christmas Day special, filmed ahead of the show’s live final. Dressed in coordinating white and cream outfits, the pair shared a heartfelt embrace and a spontaneous dance as the audience applauded.
Closing the show, Tess addressed viewers with visible emotion:
“Thank you for watching us over the years. It has truly meant the world to us.”
In October, the presenters confirmed they would be stepping away from the hit BBC show together after an incredible 21-year run. In a joint statement, they explained that leaving as a duo felt right.
“Hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” they said. “We were always going to leave together. We’ll cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ — but we’ll still say it to each other. Probably at home, in tracksuit bottoms, holding pizza.”
Their final live show aired on December 20 and was packed with tributes, including a moving compilation of messages from the Strictly team and famous friends. One standout moment saw judge Craig Revel Horwood read a surprise letter from Queen Camilla, praising the pair as “the greatest Strictly partnership of all” and thanking them for the warmth and joy they brought to millions.
A visibly emotional Tess later said she was overwhelmed by the honour.
“What an incredible moment,” she shared. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
Seeing Tess and Claudia reunited — laughing, supporting one another, and clearly as close as ever — reassured fans that while their time on the Strictly stage may be over, their friendship is very much still dancing on.
And judging by the smiles at the launch, this duo’s next chapter is only just beginning. 💫
