The Early Years
Tess Daly, born Helen Daly on April 27, 1969, in Stockport, Cheshire, quickly rose to fame in the late 90s and has since become a beloved face on TV. Growing up in Derbyshire, Tess was discovered by a modeling headhunter while out shopping with her younger sister Karen at the age of 18. Her modeling career took her to various countries, including Paris and New York, where she lived for five years each. Tess even appeared in music videos for Duran Duran and The Beloved, where she famously stripped nude.
Strictly Success
In 2004, Tess began her journey as a host on BBC One's dance contest Strictly. Initially joined by co-host Bruce Forsyth, she later teamed up with Claudia Winkleman after Bruce's retirement in 2014. Tess has not only become a household name but has also significantly boosted her bank balance. With a reported net worth of around £3 million and an annual salary of £150,000 for hosting Strictly, she has truly become a trailblazer in the TV industry.
A Multifaceted Career
While Tess is best known for her role on Strictly, she has also expanded her repertoire. She began interviewing celebrities during red carpet events in the late 90s and landed hosting roles on shows like The Big Breakfast, Make Me A Supermodel, SMTV Live, and Back To Reality. Additionally, Tess is a familiar face on BBC's Children In Need, showcasing her versatility as a presenter.
A Personal Life in the Spotlight
Tess shares her life with husband Vernon Kay, who is five years her junior. The couple started dating in 2001 when Vernon was hosting T4 and tied the knot in 2003. They have two children together, Phoebe (born 2004) and Amber (born 2009). Tess and Vernon's chemistry extended beyond their personal lives, as they presented BBC's singing competition Just The Two Of Us from 2006 to 2007, solidifying their status as TV's golden couple.
With her captivating presence and successful career, Tess Daly has become an icon in the UK's competitive TV landscape. As she continues to shine on Strictly and beyond, there's no doubt that she will remain a beloved figure in the realm of entertainment.
