Tess Daly, born Helen Elizabeth Daly on March 29, 1969, in Stockport, Cheshire, is a prominent British television presenter best known for co-hosting BBC’s “Strictly Come Dancing” since 2004. She shifted from an international modeling career, which began after her discovery at age 18 outside a McDonald’s, to television presenting through red carpet interviews in New York. Married to presenter Vernon Kay since 2003, she also runs luxury beachwear brand Naia Beach and supports various charitable organizations including Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, establishing herself as a multifaceted media personality whose career encompasses entertainment, business ventures, and philanthropy.
A television presenter, model, and entrepreneur who has become synonymous with Saturday night entertainment, Tess Daly has established herself as one of Britain’s most recognizable faces on BBC One’s flagship program “Strictly Come Dancing.” Born Helen Elizabeth Daly on 29 March 1969 in Stockport, Cheshire, she transformed from a working-class background in Derbyshire into an international modeling career before evolving to television presenting in the late 1990s.
Daly’s parents worked in a textile factory, and she grew up in Birch Vale, Derbyshire, alongside her younger sister Karen. Her educational journey took her through Hayfield Primary and New Mills Secondary School, where she achieved nine O-levels, demonstrating early academic capability. Her trajectory changed dramatically at age 18 when she was discovered as a model outside a McDonald’s, launching her into the international fashion industry.
Throughout the 1990s, Daly worked as a professional model in major fashion capitals including Paris, New York, and across Asia, participating in various modeling campaigns. Her modeling career extended to Asia and Europe, where she gained valuable international experience before transitioning to television. Her shift into television began with red carpet interviews of celebrities in New York, providing early exposure to broadcast journalism and entertainment presenting. She subsequently secured her first major television role as host of Channel 4’s “Find Me a Model,” which established her credentials within British television.
The defining moment of Daly’s career came in 2004 when she began co-hosting “Strictly Come Dancing,” initially alongside Bruce Forsyth and later with Claudia Winkleman. The program, which reaches millions of viewers each weekend, has become a staple of British television entertainment, with Daly regarded as a key factor in its long-term success. Her professional charisma and ability to engage large audiences have brought glamour and professionalism to the series over nearly two decades. Her presenting style demonstrates warmth and professionalism that has made her a household name across Britain.
Beyond “Strictly Come Dancing,” Daly has presented “The Royal Variety Performance,” “The National Lottery,” and “Children in Need,” while appearing on programs including “The Big Breakfast,” “SMTV,” and “The One Show.”
Her business ventures include co-founding luxury beachwear brand Naia Beach, and she published the wellness book “4 Steps: To a Happier, Healthier You” in 2023.
Daly married television and radio presenter Vernon Kay in 2003, and the couple has two children. She maintains privacy regarding personal relationships while balancing family life with her high-profile career.
Her philanthropic work includes serving as patron of Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital, ambassador for Vitabiotics and The Prince’s Trust, and active participation in BBC’s Children in Need charity events, utilizing her public platform for wellbeing advocacy and charitable fundraising.
