Claudia Winkleman addresses rumour about Strictly exit: ‘Absolutely not’

• Claudia Winkleman has explained her decision to depart from Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly.
• Winkleman said that the pair decided about a year ago, feeling the show ”deserves new” talent and wishing to leave while at its peak.
• When asked, she explicitly denied that her exit was connected to recent controversies, including the scandal involving Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington, saying: “Absolutely not”.
• Winkleman said she became emotional after filming her final segment, describing the departure as “momentous” after two decades with the programme.
• Queen Camilla sent a special message to Winkleman and Daly during their last live episode, commending their “warmth, compassion and sheer happiness”.

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Claudia Winkleman opens up on ‘momentous’ decision to quit Strictly