We made a pact to quit over pizza

Star duo agreed to leave together years ago

- BY MARC BAKER

CLAUDIA Winkleman has revealed how she and Tess Daly hatched a Thelma and Louise-style plot over pizza to quit Strictly together while they were at the top.

Fans were stunned this week when the duo announced they would be waltzing off the dance floor after 21 years when this series ends.

But Claudia, 53, insists that the pals forged a plan to quit together years ago.

Laughing, she rejected the idea that fans want her to stay for ever, saying: “I don't think anybody would want that.

“I am sure people watching would go, ‘Can that small, orange creature just shuffle off?’”

“Tess and I will leave at the same time... we made that pact over pizza. I had pepperoni.”

The pair took over from Bruce Forsyth, who left the show in 2014 after 10 years as host. Now, with massive hit The Traitors also under her belt, Claudia reckons the dynamic between her and Tess is perfect.