Fashion giants are making money as outfits worn by Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman fly off the shelves

It may be famous for the ballroom dresses and sparkling tights worn by its dancers, but it seems Strictly viewers are more impressed by the outfits of the show’s presenters, Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

In fact, fashion magazines and followers have gone ‘crazy’ over the sequin dresses and chic ensembles the couple is wearing, many of which sell out within hours of a TV outing.

In last week’s Christmas special, won by EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick and dancer Nancy Xu, Claudia wore a £1,077 Needle and Thread sequin maxi dress, which received high praise from Grazia magazine.

It read: ‘Claudia Winkleman’s Strictly wardrobe has become our TV obsession and we’re not alone. Almost every high street item she wears sells out instantly.”

During the 2023 series, Tess and Claudia both wore outfits from womenswear brand Mint Velvet: Tess wore the brand’s £99 faux leather trousers, while Claudia wore the £99 black sheer lace shirt.

Liz Houghton, co-founder of Mint Velvet, said: ‘It’s always so exciting to see Claudia and Tess on Strictly in our pieces. They always look fantastic. When they wear Mint Velvet we see an immediate increase in sales, often selling out within 24 hours. The leather pants that Tess wore and the see-through black shirt that Claudia wore at the beginning of the show – people went crazy for those pieces.”

Although they often opt for high street options, the couple also dons designer clothes, which are selling out despite the high price tag. Claudia has worn four Nadine Merabi jumpsuits in the latest range, including the £395 velvet ‘Luna’ jumpsuit she wore to the launch show and the £395 ‘Katarina’ in black and gold sequins.

“We absolutely love it when Claudia wears our pieces on Strictly,” says Ms Merabi, creative director and founder of the brand. ‘Her style is so effortless and cool, she is the ultimate Merabi muse. The reactions are always so incredible. Our Luna and Katarina jumpsuits sold out within hours of the shows – even I’m on the waiting list!’

Trendsetters: The Strictly couple were both pictured wearing Mint Velvet to the show

And Han Chong, founder and creative director of Self-Portrait, whose dresses usually cost more than £400, said dressing Claudia was ‘a real pleasure’.

Strictly fans praised Tess’ £109 silver Karen Millen sequin dress, which she wore during the Christmas special. She also wore four other Karen Millen outfits during the latest series, including a £409 gold jumpsuit and a £259 lime green crystal-embellished mini dress. Natasha Hackett, brand director at Karen Millen, said: ‘Seeing the pieces on Tess brings the details to life – and is always a firm favorite with customers.’

Both Tess, 54, and Claudia, 51, employ stylists to buy their clothes. James Yardley, who also dresses Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham, has amassed a wardrobe worth more than £20,000 for Tess, while Sinead McKeefry, who also styles Holly Willoughby, has amassed a £16,000 collection for Claudia.