Can the show survive without the ladies at the helm?

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman announced their departure from Strictly Come Dancing last week – and some of the series’ most die-hard fans are uncertain that the BBC ballroom dancing show will survive their exit.

Last week, Tess and Claudia announced that they would be leaving Strictly at the end of the 2025 series. Since then, bookies have weighed in on who they think will replace the pair.

But there are also concerns online that the BBC may decide to cut its losses after 18 months of scandal, and scrap the show altogether.

Claudia and Tess will exit Strictly at the end of this year (Credit: Splash News)

Strictly fans worried over future of show

Entertainment Daily ran an exclusive poll and asked readers: “Will Strictly Come Dancing survive Tess and Claudia’s exit?”

The results were pretty divided. 54% of those polled said: “Yes, Strictly is about so much more than the hosts. The BBC won’t axe it.” However, 46% of readers told ED! that they think “it’s the end of the road for the show”, answering: “No, I think this is the end of the road for the show now.”

Tess has presented the show since it started in 2004 (Credit: BBC)

Strictly has ‘lost its sparkle’

One reader said: “I’m wondering if the show is going to end after this run and Tess and Claude just wanted to get in there first. I hope I’m wrong, but can’t think who could possibly take over presenting the show.”

Another agreed and added: “I think this is the last year.” A third commented: “Strictly has lost its sparkle.”

Not everyone feels the same, though, with many pointing out the show is a lot more than the people who present it. “I don’t watch it for them, I watch it for the dancing,” said one.

Another commented: “Of course it will survive, they are only the presenters. Lots of other people will do just a good a job, it might take a while to get used to them. But change is good – keeps it fresh,” said another.

Fans are divided over whether the show can survive the ladies’ exit (Credit: BBC)

‘The show will still be great’

Former pro Ola Jordan also revealed that she doesn’t think Tess and Claudia leaving will be the “final nail in the coffin” for the show.

She told ED!: “Strictly is amazing – it’s an incredible show. They’ll bring new presenters in, and it’ll still be great. In America, they’ve had about 10 different presenters over the years, and it’s still going strong. So no, I don’t think it’s a final-nail-in-the-coffin moment.

“The girls have to move on – they’ve been doing the same job for so many years. People have to move on. Whoever they bring in, I think the show will still be great – as long as they bring in the right people.”