Janette Manrara interrupted Strictly It Takes Two for an announcement following the bombshell news that Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman have quit the show

Janette Manrara brought It Takes Two to a halt (Image: BBC)

It Takes Two was brought to a sudden halt as Janette Manrara paid tribute to Strictly Come Dancing presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman. Earlier today, the duo shared a joint statement announcing that they will be stepping down from the BBC programme when the latest series concludes. After outlining what was coming up on the show, Janette, 41, paused the programme to address the shocking news of Tess and Claudia’s departure.

She said: “But first. You may have already heard the news. Tess and Claudia announced this morning that they are leaving Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the series. Tess has presented the show since its very first episode alongside the legendary Sir Bruce [Forsyth], while Claudia originally presented our show before moving over to host the results show alongside Tess in 2010.

Tess and Claudia will step down at the end of this series (Image: PA)

“They’ve both presented the main show and results show together since 2014. Ladies, we are going to miss you both so much!”

Looking on the bright side, Janette reminded viewers that they still have the rest of the series to enjoy Tess and Claudia, who will also be hosting the Christmas special.

In a joint statement, the pair told fans: “We have loved working as a duo and hosting Strictly has been an absolute dream. We were always going to leave together and now feels like the right time.

“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. They’re the most brilliant team and we’ll miss them every day.”

They added: “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.”

The announcement came as a shock to both fans and those associated with the show, as judge Craig Revel Horwood revealed on Loose Women that he learned the news the same time as everyone else.

The stars of the show have since reacted to their shock exit, with pro Amy Dowden writing: “Nooooo, absolutely gutted! Our beautiful Strictly queens! Thank you, from being a fan these past 21 years to joining the show you have both brought so much joy, elegance, fun and pure brilliant entertainment to the nation! Thank you! Going to miss you both so much! Welsh love always xxxx.”

Oti Mabsue penned: “Wow! How devastating. You two have been incredible to work with – thank you so much for all the beautiful memories, for representing females presenters, being iconic, the laughs and years of family you’ve given all us. From the beginning you were the highlight of our weekends! Wish you both luck – I will miss you so much!!!”