Claudia Winkleman has 'no idea who’s going to win' Strictly

The popular BBC programme officially launches tonight, seeing the celebrity contestants paired with their professional dance partners.

Claudia Winkleman says she has 'no idea who's going to win' Strictly Come Dancing 2024

Speaking about the start of the new Strictly Come Dancing series, Claudia Winkleman said: “It feels a total honour and privilege, I love working on Strictly so much.

“I start getting excited in July, the fake tanning starts in earnest on September 1 and there’s no let-up until Christmas.

“I genuinely have no idea who’s going to win, Tess says the name and I find out with everyone else, it’s a magic moment.”

Co-host Tess Daly, who has presented the BBC show since it began all the way back in 2004, added that she can sometimes spot who will win as early as the launch show.

She said: “I do think it takes a certain special something and not just talent alone, to capture the viewers’ imagination and go on to become the winner of a series.

“Not only have you got to have learned the necessary dance skills to showcase your talent but you also need to have won our hearts.

“Sometimes I feel like perhaps I can spot the winner as early as the launch show as it’s clear to see they have the full package.

“However, more often than not, I’m surprised along with everybody else.”

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Speaking about her long tenure on the show, Daly added: “It’s such an honour to have been there since the very first show aired back in 2004 and now here we are about to celebrate our 20th birthday.

“My overriding memories of that first show are of being very nervous and very pregnant.

“But even then, there was a buzz in the air, like no other I’d ever experienced on a live television show. It felt so exciting, and it still does.”