Claudia Winkleman Reveals Dance Partner Preference as Farewell Nears

Claudia Winkleman, the long-time host of Strictly Come Dancing, has expressed her desire to partner with professional dancer Johannes Radebe if she were to compete on the show. This revelation comes as Winkleman prepares to step down alongside co-presenter Tess Daly, with their final appearance scheduled for the upcoming Christmas special.

Winkleman and Daly have co-hosted the popular dance competition since 2014, following the departure of Sir Bruce Forsyth. They recently appeared on the Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two, where Winkleman shared her preference for Radebe when asked who she would choose as a partner. “I would do anything with JoJo. Just saying that out loud,” she stated, as reported by Wales Online.

When Janette Manrara responded positively to her choice, Winkleman humorously added, “Whatever he wants. Even if he said, ‘I don’t want to dance, will you make me a risotto?’ I’ve never made one, I would heat some stock.” She later clarified, “None of what I said is code; I meant, I would make him supper.”

Emotional Farewell Ahead

As they prepare for their final show, Winkleman and Daly acknowledged that it is likely to be an emotional occasion. Winkleman remarked, “I think we will be emotional, but of course, it won’t be about us, it’ll be about the winners, so that’s quite good.” Daly added, “We’re not allowed to cry,” to which Winkleman responded, “But afterwards, we will hold each other very tight and cry. It’s a lot.”

Concerns have arisen among fans regarding Radebe’s future on the show. Following his elimination alongside partner Alex Kingston, he expressed heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you, because I have never grinned this much in my life, for the past couple of weeks with you. Thank you, Alex, for being a trooper,” he said. His emotional farewell sparked speculation about his potential departure, with viewers taking to social media to voice their concerns.

One fan asked, “Why did that sound like a final goodbye from Johannes?!” Another questioned, “Does that mean this is his last year?” The emotional tone of Radebe’s speech, thanking his “Strictly family,” left many wondering if this season would be his last.

Winkleman and Daly’s Departure

Earlier this year, Winkleman and Daly announced their decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing. They described their time on the show as “an absolute dream” but emphasized that it “feels like the right time” to step away. “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream,” they stated. “We will have the greatest rest of this amazing series and we just want to say an enormous thank you to the BBC and to every single person who works on the show.”

As their farewell approaches, they acknowledge the emotional significance of the moment. “We will cry when we say the last ‘keep dancing’ but we will continue to say it to each other. Just possibly in tracksuit bottoms at home while holding some pizza,” Winkleman added, reflecting on the close bond they have formed during their tenure.

Strictly Come Dancing continues to be available for viewing on BBC iPlayer, as fans eagerly anticipate the final performances of Winkleman and Daly. Their departure marks the end of an era for the beloved series, leaving a lasting impact on both the show and its audience.