Tess Daly ’s long farewell to Strictly Come Dancing took an emotional turn during filming of the show’s Christmas special, after the presenter found herself unexpectedly stepping onto the dancefloor - and wiping away tears moments later. The 56-year-old, who is bowing out of the BBC hit alongside co-host Claudia Winkleman , was visibly moved as the pair recorded what will be their final festive show together. Audience members at Elstree Studios said the atmosphere shifted the moment the judges surprised Tess by inviting her to perform her favourite routine with professional dancer Aljaž Škorjanec.

It marked her first time dancing on the programme since 2008, when she appeared in a Children in Need special with Anton du Beke. One audience member said there was “a whole lot of emot

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