AFTER an emotional evening of tears and goodbyes, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly were seen heading home from the Strictly wrap party.
Tess and Claudia bowed out in style after celebrating into the early hours with their Strictly family.
Tess smiled blearily in the back of a car post-party, looking happy but exhausted.
Meanwhile co-host Claudia struggled to keep her eyes open, shutting them in a number of snaps showing off her black smokey eyeshadow.
Spotted bundled into the back of another car as it drove away were Tess’ husband Vernon Kay and their daughter Phoebe, as well as a host of the Strictly 2025 cast.
Vernon beamed looking out of the window, the picture of prideafter watching his wife host her final ever Strictly show.
time for tears
Watch moment emotional Anton makes Tess Daly cry in final Strictly moment
END OF AN ERA
Queen issues touching Strictly message for Tess & Claudia’s ‘final twirl’
Pro dancers Vito Coppola and Nadiya Bychkova appeared to be in good spirits too, winding down the car windows and waving at the paparazzi.
Even the judging panel came along for the do, with Shirley Ballas throwing up peace signs.
Though Anton Du Beke was off the booze – being spotted at the wheel of his car driving away.
Earlier that same day the Strictly judge reduced Tess to tears, thanking her for all she has done.
As he praised Karen Carney’s and Carlos Gu‘s dance to One Way or Another, the judge choked up as he turned to Tess and told her: “I have to say this as well, I can’t tell you how much I’ve loved, Tess, spending the last 21 years with you. I love you.”
Catching her off-guard, Tess was seen choking back tears as Karen and Carlos comforted her and the audience applauded.
The sentimental moment clearly caught the other judges as well, with Motsi Mabuse seen wiping away tears, and Shirley Ballas clung on to Anton as they tried to compose themselves.
Craig Revel Horwood made light of the situation, joking he was “there to ruin the mood” but then also said: “I just realised this is the judge’s last little thing with Tess, isn’t it?
“And that’s replicated by all of us. We all deeply and dearly love you, and I’m gonna miss you like would not believe.”
With that, Tess started crying, before being hugged by Carlos and Karen.
The team behind the show made sure the night was full of surprises for both Tess and Claudia – from the professional dancers all dressing like Claudia to announce the opening of the vote lines to a video tape from the backstage cast all celebrating their hard work.
But in the biggest surprise of the evening, the duo were stopped from their hosting duties by Craig who was tasked with reading out a special letter from Queen Camilla herself – who has been a longtime superfan of the dancing favourite.
It read: “Dear Tess and Claudia, as you prepare to take your final twirl, I just want to say thank you on behalf of the millions who watch you each week.
“I’ve often thought that Strictly is not so much a show about dancing as about friendships, the bonds forged, the struggles overcome and the joy shared in undertaking a joint endeavour.
“If that is true, then perhaps yours has been the greatest Strictly partnership of all. The warmth, compassion and sheer happiness you have radiated with and from each other has been at the heart of the show’s success.”
“I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fab-u-lous,” the letter continued. “I wish you both every success in wherever life’s journey takes you next, but as one who has appreciated its lifelong benefits, you promise us one thing: Keeeeeep dancing!
“With warmest gratitude and admiration Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla.”