Anton Du Beke and Craig Revel Horwood, famous stars of Strictly, decided to change their plans for Icons Week on the show. Originally intending to dress up as presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, they instead opted to portray iconic figures David Bowie and John Lennon. This decision coincided with Tess and Claudia’s surprising announcement of their departure from the show, revealed via Instagram just before the themed week aired.
The duo’s final appearance will be on Christmas Day, although the episode will be recorded prior to the holiday. The last-minute change in outfits for Anton and Craig was not directly related to Tess and Claudia’s exit. According to a source, the switch to Bowie and Lennon was made independently of the presenter’s decision to leave, with all judge’s costumes already finalized before the public announcement.
Following the news of Tess and Claudia’s departure, the show’s production team reportedly decided to nix the original plan for Anton and Craig’s costumes. While the idea was considered humorous, concerns were raised about potential viewer reactions given the sensitivity of the situation. Tess and Claudia’s exit was addressed during a live broadcast, where they expressed gratitude for the supportive messages received.
Notably, the announcement of Tess and Claudia’s departure came as a surprise to many, with only a few individuals aware of their plans beforehand. The duo shared a joint video on Instagram confirming their decision, emphasizing their desire to conclude their tenure on a high note. The decision to exit during the current series was strategic, allowing them to bid farewell gracefully and avoid overshadowing the upcoming Strictly champion.
Insiders suggest that Tess and Claudia’s choice to leave now was influenced by their desire to exit at a peak moment in their careers. Claudia, particularly, is experiencing success with projects like The Traitors and multiple TV opportunities, while Tess looks forward to more leisure time with her family. Concerns about recent controversies impacting the show’s ratings and potential future challenges also played a role in their decision to step away at this juncture.
For more showbiz updates and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads.