Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly say 'help us' in Strictly Come Dancing plea

Claudia Winkleman once detailed how she and Tess Daly would issue a "help us" plea to the "charming" Strictly Come Dancing audience. In a shock announcement last week, the duo revealed they would be leaving the show mid-season, marking the end of Tess's 21-year run and Claudia's tenure since joining sister series It Takes Two in 2004, before moving on to co-host the main show.

In an Instagram statement, Claudia and Tess expressed their love for working together and hosting Strictly, stating they "loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream". They added that they had always planned to leave as a pair, and felt now was the "right time". As fans eagerly await their final appearance, which according to the BBC will be the Strictly special on Christmas Day, Claudia's comments from her 2020 book, Quite, may shed light on her true feelings about filming the show.

Claudia penned: "It's a few minutes to lights up, to being live on air, and suddenly my mouth goes funny. I'm actually not quite sure I can speak - god, why is it so dry? Why has my tongue doubled in size?".

She went on to say: "Quick, have another swig of Diet 7up' (I should explain I don't really 'do' water - it's too showy, too healthy, too pleased with itself), and we say hello to the audience."

She concluded: "They're charming, they're ready, they're excited. We're terrified, please help us, we say, please support the dancers, we plead".

Claudia went into detail about the "nerves" she experiences in this moment, revealing that she has to "slightly punch" Tess in a bid to "get rid" of her jitters, though she admitted it was "not a real" punch.

When just 30 seconds are left on the clock, she described being engulfed by a "wave of hysteria", later adding that the weight of responsibility and the fear of letting people down felt "huge".

In their heartfelt post, Claudia and Tess revealed that they will "cry" when they deliver the final "'keep dancing", but confirmed that they will carry on saying it to "each other", perhaps in "tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza".

Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse headed to the comments section to share some warm words. She wrote: "Going to miss you so much!".

"You're an icon and inspiration. Still in shock, but wishing you love and best wishes."

Tess initially joined the show in 2004, presenting alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth. Once he left the show in 2013, Claudia stepped in to replace him.

Now in its 23rd series, the duo have confirmed that they will remain in their positions until the end. According to the Guardian, Claudia's inclusion in the show was seen as an "important step forward" for female representation in TV.

Meanwhile, Tess' years of loyal service on the programme were honoured with an MBE for services to broadcasting earlier this year.