Strictly bosses lining up ‘HUGE’ on air surprise for Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman during their last ever live show together as Anton Du Beke says he’s still ‘stunned’ they’ve quit

Strictly bosses are set to give Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman a ‘huge’ surprise during their final live show on Saturday as Anton Du Beke said he’s still ‘stunned’ they decided to leave.

Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, announced earlier in the series they would be stepping down from their roles after the Christmas special, which was prerecorded earlier this month.

Tess has been part of the show 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.

Ahead of their final live show together, it’s now been revealed BBC bosses have lined up a spectacular tribute on air.

It is expected to include a series of video messages and cameos from famous stars. 

The tribute is being kept under wraps by Strictly producers, with Tess and Claudia left in the dark.

An insider told The Sun: ‘There will be one message which will particularly blow viewers away and cap off what has been an incredible run for Tess and Claudia.

‘It will be an intense moment on a farewell show which already promises to be highly emotional. 

‘Bosses have gone to great lengths to ensure that they get a send-off worthy of two Strictly legends who’ve helped make the contest what it is today.’

They added: ‘Though Tess and Claudia will no doubt be expecting some kind of farewell, bosses are keeping what they’ve done and what they have planned closely under wraps to maximise the surprise.’ 

Tess and Claudia were surprised with an emotional tribute during last Sunday’s results show.

And in honour of their time on the dancing competition, the judging panel surprised the duo with a moving video compilation of all their best bits.

Meanwhile, Anton Du Beke has spoken about the hosting duo’s exit in a new interview.

The former professional dancer and judge, 59, said he is still ‘stunned’ they have made the decision to leave the ballroom.

He told The Mirror: ‘I’ll be emotional too – I can’t help it now, I think it might be my age.

‘I’m still a bit stunned that they’ve decided to leave.’

On Friday, Tess marked her last day of rehearsals on Strictly Come Dancing with an emotional post as she paid tribute to the show’s crew.

She first shared a snap from the iconic set as the crew lined up for a group snap, with Tess writing: ‘My last day of rehearsals, my heart is so full, the Strictly family I’ll have forever.’ 

Tess then revealed she arrived to the studio to find her dressing room had been decorated ahead of final.

She could be seen beaming as she sat down surrounded by pictures from over the years stuck to the wall under a banner that read: ‘Thank you for the memories’.

There was also a selection of colourful sweet treats on the coffee table, which was decorated with silver and gold confetti.

Earlier on Friday, Vernon Kay choked back tears as he paid an emotional tribute to his wife.

Vernon, 51, reflected on the incredible years Tess has had on the show and said he will struggle to fight back the tears while watching in the audience.