Tess Daly is a mainstay of Britain's autumn TV schedule as the co-host of the glitzy jewel in the BBC’s crown - Strictly Come Dancing. The blonde beauty, who was born in Stockport in 1969, began a modelling career as a teenager and appeared in several music videos before breaking into television.
Tess Daly's presenting career and Strictly Come Dancing
Tess' big break came in the form of a presenting gig on the hit breakfast show The Big Breakfast in 1999. Soon afterwards offers of other high-profile TV stints came pouring in, and she fronted a wide array of programmes including children’s show SMTV.
Her most notable role is as the co-host of Strictly Come Dancing. Tess presented the dancing competition from 2004 alongside Bruce Forsyth until his departure in 2013, which is when Claudia Winkleman joined the programme in his place.
While the TV star is best known for her Strictly gig, she has fronted a number of other shows, including Home On Their Own, This Time Tomorrow, The One Show and Just the Two Of Us.
Tess is also a published author, having released two books. Her first novel, The Camera Never Lies, hit the shelves in 2011, and was followed by It's Up to You New York in 2013.
Tess Daly's family life
While working on T4, Tess met the man who would become her husband, Vernon Kay. There was an instant attraction between the pair, both of whom had been fashion models and both of whom were born in the North West.
Bolton-born Vernon popped the question on Christmas Day 2002, in front of the entire family, and the couple tied the knot almost a year later in September 2003.
Tess and Vernon went on to welcome two daughters together: Phoebe, who was born in 2004, and Amber, who arrived in 2009.
