Tess Daly
Tess Daly is a name synonymous with Saturday night television in the UK, a familiar face who has graced our screens for decades. From her early days as a globe-trotting model to becoming one of Britain's most beloved presenters, her career journey is a captivating story of evolving ambition and enduring appeal. Let's uncover how Helen Elizabeth Daly transformed into the iconic Tess Daly we know today. Tess Daly's career began unexpectedly with modeling, which took her around the world before she found her true calling in television. She became an enduring fixture of British television, most notably as the long-standing co-presenter of the iconic show Strictly Come Dancing. Beyond presenting, Daly is also an accomplished author and entrepreneur, demonstrating a diverse range of talents and business acumen.
AI Summary
Tess Daly is a name synonymous with Saturday night television in the UK, a familiar face who has graced our screens for decades. From her early days as a globe-trotting model to becoming one of Britain's most beloved presenters, her career journey is a captivating story of evolving ambition and enduring appeal. Let's uncover how Helen Elizabeth Daly transformed into the iconic Tess Daly we know today.
- Tess Daly's career began unexpectedly with modeling, which took her around the world before she found her true calling in television.
- She became an enduring fixture of British television, most notably as the long-standing co-presenter of the iconic show Strictly Come Dancing.
- Beyond presenting, Daly is also an accomplished author and entrepreneur, demonstrating a diverse range of talents and business acumen.
Tess Daly: From Model to Mainstay
Born Helen Elizabeth Daly in Stockport, Cheshire, our story begins far from the glittering lights of television studios. Growing up in Birch Vale, she was a bright student, achieving nine O-levels. But a chance encounter would soon steer her life in an entirely different direction.
The fateful moment arrived when she was scouted outside a McDonald's in Manchester, waiting for her sister. Her first modeling agency already had a 'Helen Daly' on their books, so a new professional name was needed — and thus, 'Tess' was born. It was a simple decision that would define a public persona.
A Global Model
Just six weeks after her 18th birthday, Tess landed her first professional modeling job, a whirlwind trip to Tokyo. This was the start of a truly international career, seeing her based in Paris for five years, then New York for another five, with assignments taking her across Asia and Europe. She was a familiar face in the fashion capitals of the world.
Her modeling portfolio wasn't limited to high fashion. Tess became the face of popular brands like Danone Shape yogurt and lingerie company La Senza. She even appeared in two Duran Duran music videos in 1990 — for 'Serious' and 'Violence of Summer' — cementing her status as a pop culture figure of the era.
One particular music video, The Beloved's 1993 'Sweet Harmony,' became quite memorable, though Tess herself has admitted to cringing at the reminder. She famously described the shoot as being in 'a studio of models with nothing but Elastoplast to protect our modesty.' It's a testament to the diverse, sometimes unconventional, experiences of a working model.
From Catwalk to Camera
While living on the Lower East Side of New York City, a friend made a suggestion that would change her path: why not interview celebrities at red carpet events? Tess, ever the enterprising spirit, bought a video camera and conducted her first interview with the acclaimed author Quentin Crisp.
Those early red carpet interviews proved to be her audition for a new career. In 2000, she sent a showreel to the producers of Channel 4's 'The Big Breakfast,' who immediately contracted her. This marked her official entry into television presenting, a move that would eventually make her a household name.
Her early TV roles were diverse, ranging from 'Find Me a Model' and 'Get Your Kit Off,' to 'Singled Out' and 'SMTV Live.' She even hosted 'Home On Their Own,' an ITV show where children famously redecorated their house to their own, often outlandish, tastes while their parents were away.
The Queen of Saturday Night
The year 2004 truly redefined Tess Daly's career. She began co-presenting a brand-new dancing competition show on BBC One that would become a cultural phenomenon: 'Strictly Come Dancing.' For years, she shared the stage with the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth, creating a beloved partnership.
Her dedication to 'Strictly' has been remarkable. She only missed the first half of the second series to give birth to her first daughter, with previous winner Natasha Kaplinsky stepping in temporarily. From 2014, she formed another iconic pairing with Claudia Winkleman, becoming the show's longest-serving presenter duo.
After an incredible 21 years and a record-breaking run, Tess announced in October 2025 that she would be stepping down from 'Strictly Come Dancing' after the current series and Christmas special. Her tenure has left an indelible mark on British television, defining Saturday nights for a generation.
A Familiar Face on Screen
Beyond 'Strictly,' Tess has fronted numerous other popular shows. She co-presented 'Just the Two of Us' with her husband, Vernon Kay, and was a staple of the 'Children in Need' telethon for over a decade, often alongside Sir Terry Wogan. She even won a special 'Children in Need' edition of 'Strictly' herself!
Her presenting credits also include the 'National Lottery' show, 'This Time Tomorrow,' and co-hosting the prestigious 'Royal Variety Performance.' More recently, she's guest-presented 'The One Show,' and co-hosted charity spin-offs like 'The People's Strictly for Comic Relief,' consistently bringing warmth and professionalism to every role.
Multi-talented Maven
Tess Daly's talents extend far beyond the television studio. In 2011, she released her first novel, 'The Camera Never Lies,' a romantic tale set behind the scenes. Its success led to a second book, 'It's Up to You New York,' published in 2013, revealing her flair for storytelling in print.
Her public profile has also made her a sought-after brand ambassador. In 2013, she became the new face of beauty giant L'Oréal, and in 2017, she partnered with Vitabiotics' Wellwoman supplement brand. These collaborations showcased her appeal as a relatable and trusted figure.
Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Tess co-founded the swimwear brand Naia Beach alongside former swimwear model Gayle Lawton. This venture allows her to combine her fashion background with her business acumen, adding another impressive facet to her multifaceted career.
A Legacy Unfolding
In her personal life, Tess is married to fellow DJ and television presenter Vernon Kay; they tied the knot in 2003 and are proud parents to two daughters. Their family life is rooted in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, away from the constant glare of the cameras.
Looking to the future, her significant contributions to broadcasting were formally recognized in the 2025 Birthday Honours. Tess Daly was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) — a fitting tribute to a remarkable career that has brought joy and entertainment to millions.
Article
Tess Daly
Helen Elizabeth "Tess" Daly MBE (born 29 March 1969) is an English television presenter and former model. She is best known for co-presenting the BBC One dancing competition show Strictly Come Dancing (2004–2025). She announced on 23 October 2025, that she would be leaving the show after 21 years, at the end of the current series and the recording of the Christmas Special.
Early life
Tess Daly
Helen Elizabeth Daly was born on 29 March 1969 in Stockport, Cheshire to textile-factory workers Felix James "Vivian" Daly (1932–2003), who died of emphysema, and Sylvia (née Bradley). She grew up in Birch Vale near New Mills, Derbyshire and attended Hayfield Primary School followed by New Mills Secondary School, where she gained nine O-levels. She has a younger sister, Karen. Daly is of English and Irish descent.
Career
Modelling
Daly was scouted outside a McDonald's restaurant while waiting for her sister in Manchester. Her first agency already had a "Helen Daly", so she chose to professionally go by the first name of "Tess" rather than her real name.
Six weeks after she turned 18 she undertook her first professional modelling job in Tokyo. After a series of work assignments across Asia and Europe while based in London, she was based in Paris for five years. She then returned to London for six months, before moving to New York for five years.
In 1990, Daly appeared in two Duran Duran videos for the songs "Serious" and "Violence of Summer (Love's Taking Over)", both from the album Liberty. She also appeared nude in the video for The Beloved's 1993 song "Sweet Harmony". Daly later said of her appearance in the "Sweet Harmony" video: "I cringe when I'm reminded of the video. It was a studio of models with nothing but Elastoplast to protect our modesty."
She was later the face of Danone Shape yogurt and also of lingerie company La Senza in the UK and appeared in their Steal the Show Christmas 2009 campaign.
Television
Daly at the 2008 BAFTA Awards
While Daly was living on the Lower East Side in New York City, a friend who arranged red carpet events suggested that she interview the celebrity attendees. After buying a video camera, Daly's first interview was with New York-based Quentin Crisp, author of The Naked Civil Servant. After a few red carpet interviews, in 2000, she sent a showreel to the producers of Channel 4's The Big Breakfast, who immediately contracted her to host the Find Me a Model competition. Since then, she has presented shows including Get Your Kit Off, Singled Out, Smash Hits TV, SMTV Live, Back To Reality and the first series of Make Me a Supermodel with Dave Berry.
In 2003, Daly replaced Ulrika Jonsson as presenter of ITV makeover show Home On Their Own, a show where children made their choice of alterations to their house during the course of a weekend, while their parents went on holiday. Some of the home improvements included an Austin Powers room, individual doorbells for the children and a cinema living room.
Daly co-presented BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2025. She initially co-hosted the programme with Bruce Forsyth until he left the show in 2013; from 2014 she co-hosted with Claudia Winkleman. Daly missed the first half of the second series because she had recently given birth to her first daughter. Natasha Kaplinsky, the winner of the previous series, took her place for these episodes. In October 2025, Daly and Winkleman announced that they would leave the show following the conclusion of the latest series and the 2025 Christmas special.
In January 2007, Daly and her husband Vernon Kay co-presented the second series of Just the Two of Us on BBC One.
Daly has also hosted This Time Tomorrow and the National Lottery show broadcast on BBC One. From 2008 to 2019, Daly co-presented the BBC telethon Children in Need alongside Terry Wogan and Fearne Cotton. She also won the special Children in Need version of Strictly Come Dancing against Terry Wogan, where she was partnered with Anton du Beke. On 17 December 2008, Daly co-hosted the Royal Variety Performance.
In November 2013, Daly guest-presented an episode of The One Show alongside Matt Baker. In early 2015, she co-hosted Strictly Come Dancing charity spin-off The People's Strictly for Comic Relief for BBC One. In 2015, Daly co-hosted Being Mum, a new show for AOL alongside Rochelle Humes.
In 2019, she played an unnamed character who hosts fictional TV show The Spotlight, in the CBBC drama, Almost Never.
Other work
In 2011, Daly's first novel, The Camera Never Lies, a tale of love behind the scenes, was published by Coronet, an imprint of Hodder & Stoughton. It's Up to You New York, Daly's second book, was published in 2013.
In 2013, she became the new face of L'Oréal. In December 2017, Daly became the new face of Vitabiotics' Wellwoman supplement brand. She is the co-founder, with former swimwear model Gayle Lawton, of the swimwear brand Naia Beach.
Personal life
Tess Daly
Daly married DJ and television presenter Vernon Kay on 12 September 2003 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Horwich, near Bolton. They have two daughters, born in 2004 and 2009, and live in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire.
Daly was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours for services to broadcasting.
Filmography
Television
<table><thead><tr><th>Year</th><th>Title</th><th>Channel</th><th>Role</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>2001</td><td>L.A. Pool Party</td><td>BBC Choice</td><td>Presenter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2002</td><td>Britain's Brainiest Kid</td><td>ITV</td><td>Presenter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2002–2003</td><td>SMTV Live</td><td>ITV/CITV</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2003</td><td>Home On Their Own</td><td>ITV/LWT</td><td>Presenter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2004</td><td>Back to Reality</td><td>Channel 5</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td>With Richard Bacon</td></tr><tr><td>Sport Relief</td><td>BBC One</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td>With Jamie Theakston</td></tr><tr><td>2004–2025</td><td>Strictly Come Dancing</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td>With Bruce Forsyth (2004–2013) and Claudia Winkleman (2014–2025)</td></tr><tr><td>2006–2007</td><td>Just the Two of Us</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td>With Vernon Kay</td></tr><tr><td>2008</td><td>A Night of Heroes: The Sun Military Awards</td><td>Sky1</td><td>Presenter</td><td>Replaced by Amanda Holden and Phillip Schofield from 2009</td></tr><tr><td>Royal Variety Performance</td><td>BBC One</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>This Time Tomorrow</td><td>Presenter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Happy Birthday Brucie!</td><td>Presenter</td><td>One-off TV special</td></tr><tr><td>2008–2019</td><td>Children in Need</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td>with Sir Terry Wogan, Dermot O'Leary, Greg James and Ade Adepitan</td></tr><tr><td>2013-present</td><td>The One Show</td><td>Guest presenter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2015</td><td>The People's Strictly for Comic Relief</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td>With Claudia Winkleman</td></tr><tr><td>Being Mum</td><td>AOL</td><td>Co-presenter</td><td>With Rochelle Humes</td></tr><tr><td>2018</td><td>Sir Bruce: A Celebration</td><td>BBC One</td><td>Presenter</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>2019</td><td>Almost Never</td><td>CBBC</td><td>Host of fictional show The Spotlight</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>
• Shooting Stars (2002, 2011) • Bo' Selecta! (2002) • Davina (2006) • The Paul O'Grady Show (2007) • Celebrity Juice (2012, 2014) • Would I Lie to You? (2012) • 8 Out of 10 Cats (2012, 2013) • That Puppet Game Show (2013) • Alan Carr: Chatty Man (2013) • The Guess List (2014) • Celebrity Squares (2015) • Through the Keyhole (2015) • Game of Talents (2021) • RuPaul's Drag Race UK (2022)