Skip to contentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleWant to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Membership today.Join todayAlready a member? Log inTom MurrayFriday 30 October 2026 17:53 GMTRelated: Shaun Wright-Phillips becomes fourth celeb to leave Strictly Come DancingStrictly Come Dancing head judge Shirley Ballas has admitted she was saddened by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly's decision to leave the show.Ballas spoke warmly of her beautiful relationship with the presenting duo, who announced their departure in October 2025.Winkleman and Daly were replaced on the BBC dance competition by Emma Willis, Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe.Ballas welcomed the new hosting lineup, noting she already has good relationships with Willis and Widdicombe from previous television work.The head judge paid tribute to former Strictly professional dancer Johannes Radebe, describing him as a superstar in her book.In fullStrictly judge admits they were ‘saddened’ by Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly’s exitMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in