Earlier this week, Tess Daly, the host of the popular show “Strictly Come Dancing,” revealed that she will be leaving the show after a remarkable 21-year run. The 56-year-old has been a staple on the show since its inception in 2004, initially alongside Bruce Forsyth and later with Claudia Winkleman.
In a recent video with her co-host, Tess expressed that it was time to hand over the reins to new presenters as she and Claudia make their exit. Speculation about Tess’s £150,000 salary for her role on the show has left many fans questioning her decision.
Unbeknownst to many, Tess has a significant commitment outside of her television duties that demands a substantial amount of her time. Launched in 2021, she co-owns Naia Beach, a swimwear brand, with her close friend Gayle Lawton.
Discussing her venture on the Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Tess shared, “That’s my other baby, the business, and that requires me to work extensive hours every day, from dawn till dusk. It’s a non-stop endeavor that is continuously expanding, and I find great joy in being creative and building a business with my best friend.”
Apart from her hosting and entrepreneurial endeavors, Tess is also a devoted mother to her daughters, Phoebe, 21, and Amber, 15, whom she shares with her husband Vernon Kay, a radio host on BBC Radio 2. Her family life has been intertwined with her time on “Strictly Come Dancing” since its early days.
Reflecting on her past experiences, Tess recalled returning to work just six weeks after giving birth to her first child, describing the challenges of balancing new motherhood with her professional responsibilities. With her impending departure from the show, rumors are circulating that Tess might participate in her first reality show, “Celebrity Traitors.”
While there were speculations about Tess and Vernon joining Claudia’s show last year, Tess clarified that this was never the case. In an interview with The Metro newspaper, she humorously mentioned her inability to keep secrets, stating, “She [Claudia] knows I’d be able to read her mind at this point. I’d be terrible at doing a poker face and being a traitor.”
As Tess bids farewell to “Strictly Come Dancing,” viewers can catch “Strictly Come Dancing: The Results” airing tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One.