Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have taken the stage for their final Strictly Come Dancing live show.

The beloved hosting duo, who shared in October their decision to step down from their roles on the popular BBC series, delivered a heartfelt welcome to the audience for this year’s grand finale.

As the evening promises to be filled with emotion for Tess and Claudia, the spotlight also shines on contestants Amber Davies, George Clarke, and Karen Carney, all vying for the esteemed Glitterball Trophy.

Claudia appeared in her signature black jacket paired with a white blouse, revealing a personal touch with the words ‘keep dancing’ embroidered on the back, a tribute to the famous motto she shares with Tess.

Tess dazzled in an exquisite rose-gold sequined gown, designed with an eye-catching thigh-high slit and a chic, shoulder-baring style.

Opening the show, the pair emotionally said: ‘Thanks to our cast and choreographer Jason Gilkison for that spectacular opening to the show, and thank you for joining us for one glorious last night in the ballroom.

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman opened their last ever Strictly Come Dancing live show on Saturday night

Karen and Carlos’ judges’ choice – chosen by Motsi Mabuse – scored the first 40 of the night as the footballer was left stunned 

Claudia wore her trademark black jacket with a white blouse and revealed how ‘keep dancing’ had been stitched into the back – a nod to her and Tess’  famous slogan

‘Back in September, 15 celebrities took to the dance floor, and after one. Of our most exciting competitions ever, just three remain.

‘Amber, George, and Karen are your finalists, and tonight you decide who will be crowned strictly champions.’

Amber opened the show with her pro partner Nikita, performing a Paso Doble that was picked by head judge Shirley Ballas.

Following the dance, to Dream On by Aerosmith, the judges gave the couple 39 out of 40 – with Craig Revel Horwood’s nine stopping them from achieving a perfect score. 

Up next was George and Alexis and their Viennese Waltz, dancing to Queen’s Somebody to Love.

Their judges’ choice was picked by Anton D Beke. 

Just like his scoring with Amber, Craig was reluctant to award a 10, despite Mosti, Shirley and Anton dishing out 10s so far. With Craig’s nine, George’s judges’ choice was scored 39 out of 40. 

Motsi Mabuse chose Karen and Carlos’ Tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.

Proud husband Vernon Kay was pictured on his feet in support of Tess, alongside their eldest daughter Phoebe, who Tess was pregnant with during the first series of Strictly

Amber opened the show with her pro partner Nikita, performing a Paso Doble that was picked by head judge Shirley Ballas

Following the dance, to Dream On by Aerosmith, the judges gave the couple 39 out of 40 – with Craig Revel Horwood’s nine stopping them from achieving a perfect score

Up next was George and Alexis and their Viennese Waltz, dancing to Queen’s Somebody to Love

Just like his scoring with Amber, Craig was reluctant to award a 10, despite Mosti, Shirley and Anton dishing out 10s so far. With Craig’s nine, George’s judges’ choice was scored 39 out of 40

Motsi Mabuse chose Karen and Carlos’ Tango to Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds

The pair’s dance, inspired by Peaky Blinders as the former footballer revealed she was a huge fan, bagged the first perfect score of the night 

The pair’s dance, inspired by Peaky Blinders as the former footballer revealed she was a huge fan, bagged the first perfect score of the night. 

After outfit changes, the finale was taken up a notch as Amber and Nikita returned to the dance floor to perform their couple’s choice.

They performed a Showdance Rain On Me by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande.

Amber was scored 39 out of 40, with Craig once again holding her back from perfect marks, over minor details in the dance that he said felt like ‘a series of tricks’. 

Tess has fronted the Strictly for a mammoth 21 years and 216 days, and was awarded a Guinness World Record for the longest-serving host of the same dance competition earlier this week. 

The host as been part of the series since it’s very first episode back in 2004 where she presented alongside the late Bruce Forsyth.

Sir Bruce – who died in 2017 – starred alongside her until his retirement in 2013, when Claudia then took over.

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JODIE OUNSLEY

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BABATUNDE ALESHE 

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