The final episode of Strictly Come Dancing's 2025 series was an emotional rollercoaster, not just for the departing hosts but for their families watching from the sidelines. Tess Daly's eldest daughter, Phoebe, has revealed she was left 'crying' in the live studio audience during a poignant moment viewers at home did not see.
A Family's Emotional Farewell
Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman presented the hit BBC dancing show for the final time on Saturday, 21st December 2025, marking the end of an era that began when Tess joined the programme at its launch in 2004. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as stars, judges, and the presenters themselves acknowledged the significance of the occasion.
During Tess's opening speech, cameras captured a touching shot of her husband, Vernon Kay, and their 21-year-old daughter Phoebe applauding proudly from the audience. However, the full depth of the family's emotion was shared later on social media.
The Unseen Moment Captured on TikTok
Phoebe subsequently posted a video on TikTok that offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the moments just before the show went live. The clip shows Tess and Claudia clasping hands as they survey the Elstree Studio ballroom floor for the final time, with the audience rising to a standing ovation.
In the caption accompanying the post, Phoebe penned a heartfelt tribute: "Crying in the audience. Their final strictly live show gonna miss it all proud of you mum @ Tess Daly #claudiawinklemen #strictlycomedancing love ya both."
The video captures the hosts spotting their family members and acknowledging fans who had won a ballot to attend the special farewell show, a moment of raw, untelevised sentiment.
A Night of Tributes and Surprises
The finale was packed with tributes that took the hosts by surprise. Judge Anton Du Beke fought back tears, stating: "I can't tell you how much I've loved Tess. Spending the last 21 years with you, I love you."
In a stunning move, a tribute from Her Majesty The Queen was read aloud by judge Craig Revel Horwood, leaving both Tess and Claudia visibly astonished. The Queen's letter stated: "I think I speak for everyone when I say you have been utterly fabulous."
Overwhelmed by the send-off, Tess addressed the audience: "Thank you so much to you all for your lovely words, it has meant the world... Thank you for the support you've shown over the years." Claudia Winkleman added, "It's been an absolute privilege to spend our weekends with you."
As the curtain falls on their tenure, the personal reaction from Tess Daly's family underscores the profound impact the show has had on their lives, with Phoebe's emotional video providing a genuine and intimate snapshot of a historic television farewell.
