'I wonder how they cope' ...Arlene is not surprised at Claudia and Tess exit

TESS Daly and Claudia Winkleman are quitting Strictly after being exhausted by a “storm” of scandals surrounding the show, according to former judge Dame Arlene Phillips.

- Stephen Beech

Tess, 56, and Claudia, 53, shocked fans by annoucning they plan to leave the flagship BBC Saturday night entertainment programme.

But the show has been embroiled in controversies, including claims of bullying and a reported drug probe.

Choreographer Dame Arlene, 82, a member of the inaugural judging panel from 2004 until 2008, was not surprised by the co-hosts’ decision. The pair will bow out after the show’s Christmas Day special.

Dame Arlene said: “They work together very, very well. It’s tough on Sirictly.

“But Claudia and Tess’s care and kindness and jollity makes everyone feel better. But Strictly is still in the eye of a storm. It’s nonstop chaos.