It may have been goodbye to the Strictly ballroom, but it was far from the end for one of television’s most beloved duos. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman delighted fans this week as they reunited for a joyful — and emotional — occasion following their tearful farewell to Strictly Come Dancing.
The reunion took place at the launch of Tess’s brand-new activewear collection, created in collaboration with fashion label NAIA Beach. And fittingly, it was Claudia who proudly showed up to support her longtime co-host, proving that their bond extends far beyond the glitterball stage.
Claudia shared a snapshot from the event on Instagram, beaming alongside Tess as the pair embraced. Her caption was full of affection:
“Brilliant @tessdaly at the launch of her amazing @naia_beach activewear collection ❤️❤️❤️❤️ It’s beautiful.”
The new range reflects Tess’s signature effortless style, featuring a striking blue printed two-piece with a bold, Pucci-inspired design, alongside a chic grey animal-print co-ord. Tess was pictured glowing at the event, celebrating the launch with friends and collaborators — including NAIA Beach founder Gayle.
For fans, the reunion carried extra emotional weight. Just weeks earlier, viewers watched Tess and Claudia say an unforgettable goodbye to Strictly during the Christmas Day special, filmed ahead of the show’s live final. Dressed in elegant white and cream outfits, the duo shared a heartfelt hug and a spontaneous dance as contestants and crew applauded them.
Closing the show, a visibly emotional Tess told viewers:
“Thank you again for watching us over the years. It has truly meant the world to us.”
In October, the pair confirmed they would be stepping away from Strictly together after an extraordinary 21-year run — a decision they described as deeply considered and completely mutual.
“We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” they said in a joint statement. “We were always going to leave together, and now feels like the right time.”
They added with characteristic warmth and humour:
“We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ — but we will continue to say it to each other. Possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding pizza.”
Their final live show aired on December 20, and tributes poured in throughout the grand finale. A specially curated video featuring messages from the Strictly crew and familiar faces — including Mary Berry — left the hosts visibly moved.
Perhaps the most touching moment of all came when judge Craig Revel Horwood read out a surprise letter from Queen Camilla. In it, she praised Tess and Claudia as “the greatest Strictly partnership of all,” thanking them for the warmth, compassion, and joy they brought to millions of viewers.
“Strictly is not just about dancing,” the Queen wrote, “but about friendships, bonds forged, and joy shared — and yours has been at the heart of its success.”
Overcome with emotion, Tess later said:
“I can’t speak now. What an honour. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
Seeing Tess and Claudia reunited — smiling, laughing, and supporting one another — was a powerful reminder that while one chapter has ended, their partnership remains as strong as ever.
The ballroom lights may have dimmed, but their friendship? Very much still shining. 💫
