Tess Daly

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Tess Daly opened up (Image: BBC)

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly was visibly emotional as she made a heartfelt confession just days before her departure from the beloved BBC dance show.

Tess and presenting partner Claudia Winkleman revealed in October that both would be stepping down from the programme at the conclusion of this series. The pair have helmed the BBC favourite together for 15 years.

This Saturday evening (December 20) will see the cherished hosts present their final main Strictly show as a team. The BBC is yet to announce who will replace the popular duo.

Prior to their farewell, Tess featured on Wednesday’s (December 17) instalment of BBC The One Show, where she spoke candidly about the poignant finale, reports Wales Online.

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Chatting with presenters Alex Jones and Clara Amfo, Tess appeared emotional as she confessed: “We’re on the Christmas Day show, but we pre-recorded it. We’ll both be thinking about that moment [the final link]. It can be mayhem when you’re finding out who’s the winner…

Tess Daley

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Tess Daly was left fighting back tears(Image: BBC)

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“It’s about them, but if I catch Claudia’s eye I might go because it’s the last time. I love her to bits and we had the best time. It’s just been wonderful.”

Alex then disclosed that Claudia had recorded a touching tribute for her co-presenter. In the footage, Claudia expressed: “What do I love most about working with you, everything.

“We laugh, you just have my back and I’m so lucky I got to work on the best Saturday night show with you. You’re my friend for life. I will be less orange, but we will still be together.”

Already overwhelmed by Claudia’s heartfelt video, Tess was then surprised by a touching message from her husband Vernon Kay.

He declared: “21 years as the host of Strictly Come Dancing. It’s been quite the ride. We started off with Sir Bruce Forsyth and we finished with Claudia Winkleman MBE. It’s given us so much joy and two kids, let’s not forget that.

Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly

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Strictly Come Dancing hosts Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly(Image: PA)

“Congratulations on everything you’ve done on the show. You really have embedded yourself in the hearts of the nation. There have been some spectacular moments, you have been an absolute joy. It does genuinely feel like we’re losing a very, very close friend. I have no doubt that you and I will keep dancing.”

Getting visibly emotional, Tess went on to reflect on how her family dynamic has evolved during her two-decade stint presenting Strictly.

Speaking about her loved ones, she revealed: “It’s all they’ve known their whole life. It has been like another family, over a third of the year they’ve lost me to Strictly for the weekend. They haven’t minded because they’ve loved the show and they feel like they’re a part of it.”