Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman open their final ever Strictly dwell present as this 12 months’s finale kicks off

Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have opened their last ever Strictly Come Dancing live show.

The duo, who announced they would step down as hosts of the BBC hit in October, emotionally welcomed viewers to this year’s finale.

While it will be an emotional night for the pair, remaining stars Amber Davies, George Clarke and Karen Carney are all competing to lift the iconic Glitterball Trophy.  

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.

Tess opted for a stunning rose-gold sequined dress that featured a daring thigh-high slit and shoulderless design. 

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 have opened their last ever Strictly Come Dancing live show

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.’

Tess has fronted the show 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.