Claudia Winkleman has opened up about her long-running partnership with Tess Daly on Strictly Come Dancing as the BBC competition returns for its 2025 run, revealing a backstage ritual she says helps calm nerves before live shows.
Claudia praised Tess as 'the kindest and the greatest human anyone could wish to work with. I'm so lucky to do it with her.' She also revealed two pre-show rituals that help steady her nerves: 'I must eat crisps and I always squeeze Tess before we go live. I get very, very nervous.' The duo are set to welcome another star-studded line-up under the watchful eyes of judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Anton Du Beke and Shirley Ballas as they launch a 21st year together on BBC One.
Claudia said she still feels a surge of excitement at the start of each new series, noting that the anticipation is part of what keeps Strictly at the heart of British television. 'I get so excited. We're so lucky to work on such a show. The build-up to all of our celebrities dancing is palpable. I can't wait to see them on the dance floor.' She described the program as a 'snow globe of a show' that signals Christmas is coming, highlighting the sparkle, the music and the joy of watching people learn a new skill, along with jaw-dropping professional group performances.
Reflecting on a particularly emotional moment from a previous series, Claudia recalled Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell delivering a stand-out waltz to 'You'll Never Walk Alone' that left the studio tearful. 'Blackpool is always magnificent,' she added, underscoring how those performances resonate with audiences and reinforce the show's enduring appeal.
This year's lineup is already promising plenty of drama and sparkle, with participants including Alex Kingston, Dani Dyer, Vicky Pattison, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Ellie Goldstein. The pair will again navigate the interplay of nerves, nerves-to-dance, and the high-stakes spectacle that defines the competition as the 2025 season unfolds under the familiar judging panel.
Tess Daly offered her own reflections on why Strictly endures. She called the launch show her personal highlight, explaining that 'the launch show is always my personal highlight' and that the moment the group dance begins provides a critical read on potential contenders. 'From that moment, I've learnt to spot who has the potential to make it all the way through the competition,' she said, underscoring how keen she is to meet the new cast each year.
Both presenters highlighted the enduring friendship that has shaped their collaboration. Daly described working with Winkleman as 'an absolute joy' and added that their years together have intertwined with their lives beyond the studio. 'Claude and I have worked together for so many years now that we have watched each other's children grow into young adults,' Daly noted, also joking that she should skip mascara during script meetings because Claudia's humor sends her into tears of laughter. This will be their 21st year at the helm of Strictly, a milestone they do not take lightly as fans prepare for a Saturday and Sunday night of dance.
On what makes a winner, Tess emphasized commitment and immersion rather than the trophy alone. 'Ultimately, a winner — and it's not just about lifting the trophy, there are always multiple winners each series — is someone who simply throws themselves into the show. The dancing, the hair, the makeup, the amazing costumes, the themed weeks — all of it. Ed Balls doing Gangnam Style is the perfect example of someone who did just that to brilliant effect. As did last year's champion Chris.'
Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this Saturday at 6.40pm.