Overview
- Opening Icons Week, the presenters paused the live broadcast to thank viewers for their messages and noted there are eight weeks left in the series, saying the focus remains on crowning a champion.
- The duo will front all remaining episodes of the current run, with their final live appearance set for the December 20 finale and a Christmas Day special marking their last pre-recorded show.
- Their joint decision to depart at season’s end follows a longstanding pact to leave together after more than a decade as co-hosts of the main show.
- Reaction from within Strictly included surprise from professional dancers, with Nadiya Bychkova saying the pros were "all shocked," alongside supportive messages from colleagues and past contestants.
- Bookmakers and media are speculating about successors, with several broadcasters and former pros named and some reports suggesting the BBC may seek another female duo, though no replacements have been announced.