Lara Goane
Published November 23, 2025 12:09pm
Updated November 23, 2025 12:10pm
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Previous Page Next PageStrictly Come Dancing viewers were left in fits of laughter after Tess Daly appeared to ‘malfunction’ during the latest results show.
The incident happened during a routine audience cutaway, but instead of delivering her usual polished line, 56-year-old Tess froze mid-expression, apparently unsure what to say next.
Fans were convinced for a split second that either their television had glitched or Tess herself had temporarily turned into a buffering robot.
Within seconds, X was flooded with jokes, memes and frame-by-frame replays, transforming what might have been a minor slip into a viral moment.
One viewer, @imshanereaction, summed up the chaos perfectly: ‘That’s the first time I’ve seen a human being buffering.’
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Another fan shared a slowed-down clip, captioned: ‘You can pinpoint the exact moment Tess realises she’s f***** up by officially revealing the Sunday show isn’t live.’
The awkward moment Tess ‘glitched’ (Picture: BBC)
Last night’s show was the first of the series in the iconic Blackpool ballroom (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
The glitch reignited debate over the Strictly filming schedule, as many viewers insisted Tess’ accidentally exposed the rarely acknowledged fact that the Sunday results show is pre-recorded after Saturday’s main broadcast.
Speaking to former Strictly finalist and Pussycat doll Ashley Roberts Tess said, ‘We look forward to seeing you perform later on,’ despite the fact Ashley’s performance will not be aired until tonight’s results show.
Long-time watchers wasted no time creating a meme from the live TV slip-up, with one post, from @supertv247, reading: ‘TESS-BOT MALFUNCTION ALERT.’
Another joked: ‘La Voix isn’t there, that’s why she’s malfunctioning,’ referencing the drag performer who has had a few goes at reading the auto-cue this series.
Many defended Tess, pointing out that her brief freeze was a natural reaction to last-minute direction from producers and that such minor errors are part and parcel of live-style television.
@jak_7950 took to X to say: ‘Not sure this was Tess, was probably an autocue error.’
Despite having to withdraw from the competition La Voix was in attendance last night to support the remaining contestants (Picture: AARON PARFITT / BACKGRID)
The drag performer was smashing the competition but unfortunately sustained serious injuries to her ankle (Picture: Guy Levy/BBC/PA Wire)
The malfunction came amid a turbulent week for Strictly, with La Voix being forced to withdraw from the competition after receiving a serious injury just before she was set to take the iconic Blackpool ballroom dancefloor.
The news left fans devastated at the sudden loss of one of the show’s most popular contestants.
Viewers were also reeling after news emerged that another nameless male figure linked to the show had been arrested on suspicion of rape, the second of such allegations made this year.
Tess and Claudia have been hosting the BBC fan favourite show for over a decade (Picture: BBC Studios/Guy Levy)
To top it all off, it was confirmed a few weeks ago that Tess and Claudia Winkleman will both leave Strictly at the end of this series, marking the end of an era for the BBC ballroom favourites.
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Tess has presented the show since its launch in 2004, while Claudia joined in 2014, and their departure has sent fans into a spiral.
In a heartfelt statement, both hosts thanked the production team, dancers, judges and audience for years of support and unforgettable moments, reflecting on the show’s two decades of magic.
Fans are worried about the future of the show when the iconic hosts leave at the end of the series, and given all the scandal surrounding the otherwise beloved series.
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One fan on X, @janepercy, said: ‘I think if they are going to continue the show needs a re-vamp next year, especially if Tess and Claudia are leaving.’
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