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Strictly hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman's joint exit is a 'massive blow' but could trigger a much-needed shake-up, says one of the show's former professional dancers.
The presenting duo announced they were quitting the BBC show on Thursday with a joint video on Instagram, saying: 'After 21 wonderfully joyful years on Strictly, we have decided that the time is right to step aside and pass on the baton.'
Tess, 56, joined the series at its launch in 2004, while Claudia, 53, followed in 2013, replacing the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.
In an emotional statement, Tess said: 'Strictly has been more than just a television programme. It's felt like having a third child, a second family, and a huge part of my life since that very first show back in 2004' while Claudia described hosting the show as 'the greatest relationship of my career.'
Former Strictly pro James Jordan, 47, who performed on the series for eight years from 2006 to 2013, said the pair's departure is a 'big statement' and whoever takes over will have 'big shoes to fill.'
He believes Tess and Claudia didn't leave due to past bullying scandals, which have increasingly tarnished the show's wholesome image.
But he says bosses now need to make the right moves, including hiring the right replacement and axing a number of professional dancers who have overstayed their welcome on the long-running series.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: 'People can have their own opinions of Tess and Claudia but I have worked with them both and I have nothing negative to say and if I did, I would. They are welcoming, friendly, I have nothing but positive things to say.
'Do I think the show will continue? Yes, it's a juggernaut, you could change everyone on the panel, the judges, the professional dancers, the show is such a strong format, no matter who you have on there, it will be great.
'Adding to that, I feel it's sad they have left at the same time, but I do think if they are going to make such big changes on the show, they now need to mix up the professional dancers.
'Some of the pro dancers need to go, there needs to be more fresh blood in the professionals now. I'm not naming names because that's unfair but some pros on the show are weak, you need to know when to hang up your shoes to be honest with you.'
James, who is married to former Strictly pro Ola Jordan, credits Tess and Claudia for the success and popularity of Strictly, saying their dynamic on the programme has entertained viewers for years.
He continued: 'I love Tess and Claudia. I had the honour of working with both of them for my full eight series on Strictly along with Bruce actually because I left the same year he did.
'I have to say, if we take Claudia for example, she is hilarious, I remember my very first series when I walked into It Takes Two, she was doing the show at the time, she was so funny, had me in fits of laughter, so friendly, so quirky, she is brilliant at what she does. Tess as well, she has always been so lovely to me and Ola, so supportive.
'This is huge news because for me they are the bricks and water of Strictly, they have been here from the beginning, and I love them dearly. The show wouldn't have been as successful without them. For them both to leave at the same time is a big statement.
'If one decided to go and the other one stayed but the fact they are both going, I can't imagine Claudia's room upstairs with the professional dancers, it's always so funny. Whoever steps in their shoes has big boots to fill really.
'They may have made a pact together years ago, possibly, clearly, they are very good friends and have been on the show together for years and years.'
In recent years, the BBC series has been hit by scandals, including bullying accusations involving Italian dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima, which led to their exits from the show.
The infamous Strictly Curse, responsible for numerous relationship breakups, has also cast an unwanted shadow over the family-friendly programme.
But James, who was speaking exclusively with Freebets.com, the home of the best betting sites, where he works as the entertainment betting expert, is adamant that's not the reason why both Tess and Claudia are leaving.
He said: 'No, I don't believe that. The scandals have nothing to do with them, the show is a juggernaut, things like that happen in life on a daily basis in all walks of life.
'Of course, they wouldn't want that happening on the show but ultimately, I don't believe that would affect their decision to leave, it doesn't make them look bad. It's just come as such a shock particularly at this point in the series.
'I don't know if it's their decision or the BBC but it's a massive thing for the show. It could be the series needs a refresh after 20 years.'
Tess and Claudia's departure at the end of the current series will have a huge impact, according to James, who starred on the dance show with celebrity partners including Denise Van Outen, Gabby Logan, and Vanessa Feltz.
He believes bosses should use their exit to trigger a shake-up, hiring a replacement who is completely 'outside of the box.'
Asked who he thinks should take over, James said: 'It's really hard to think who would suit that show.
'I have presenters that I love, like Bradley Walsh, but would he be right for Strictly? I don't know. I love Vernon Kay, he's an underrated host.
'Rylan Clark? I'm not saying no... Stacey Dooley, erm... not for me but okay.
'Roman Kemp, I like him. For me, they need to think outside of the box rather than going with the norm.
'It always seems to be the same people, let's give someone else a chance instead of always using the same people.'