Tess Daly is a legendary British television presenter, model, and author best known for co-hosting the BBC’s flagship entertainment show, Strictly Come Dancing, for over two decades. Born on March 29, 1969, in Stockport, Cheshire, Daly began her career as an international fashion model before transitioning into broadcasting in the late 1990s. She has since become one of the UK’s most recognizable media personalities, earning an MBE in 2025 for her extensive services to broadcasting and charity. Alongside her television work, she is a successful entrepreneur, having co-founded the luxury swimwear brand Naia Beach and authored several books ranging from parenting guides to fiction and wellness.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Tess Daly’s early life in Derbyshire, her rise through the modeling world in Paris and New York, and her record-breaking tenure on Strictly Come Dancing. We also explore her family life with husband Vernon Kay, her various business ventures, and her secrets to maintaining a healthy lifestyle in her 50s.
Early Life and Childhood Roots
Tess Daly was raised in the small village of Birch Vale, located near New Mills in the heart of Derbyshire. Growing up in a close-knit family with her parents, Vivian and Sylvia Daly, and her sister Karen, she attended New Mills School.
Her upbringing in the Peaks provided a grounded foundation that she often credits for her professional work ethic and approachable “girl-next-door” persona. Despite her later global travels, she remains deeply connected to her Northern roots, frequently visiting the area where her journey began.
Modeling Career in the 1980s
At the age of 18, just six weeks after her birthday, Tess was scouted by a talent agent while walking through Manchester. This encounter quickly launched an international modeling career that saw her move to Paris, Tokyo, and eventually New York City.
During this era, she appeared in iconic music videos for the band Duran Duran, including “Serious” and “Violence of Summer (Love’s Taking Over).” Her time in New York was particularly transformative, as she began conducting red-carpet interviews for Paper magazine, which ignited her passion for television.
Breakthrough into British Television
Daly’s big break in the UK came in 1999 when she was chosen to host the “Find Me a Model” competition on Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast. Her natural charisma and ease in front of the camera led to a string of high-profile presenting roles on youth-centric shows.
She quickly became a staple of Saturday morning television, co-hosting SMTV Live and CD:UK alongside Ant and Dec and later Brian Dowling. Other early credits included Singled Out, Get Your Kit Off, and Smash Hits TV, establishing her as a versatile live broadcaster.
The Strictly Come Dancing Legacy
In 2004, Tess Daly was selected to co-host a new celebrity ballroom dancing competition called Strictly Come Dancing alongside Sir Bruce Forsyth. The show became a cultural phenomenon, and Tess remained its steady anchor through every major transition.
Following Sir Bruce’s retirement, Tess was joined by Claudia Winkleman in 2014, forming the first all-female presenting duo for a major primetime Saturday night show. After 21 years of service, she remains the longest-serving presenter in the history of the program.
Marriage to Vernon Kay
Tess Daly married fellow television presenter and DJ Vernon Kay on September 12, 2003, in a private ceremony in Horwich, Bolton. The couple first met in 2001 while they were both working as presenters on T4, Channel 4’s youth strand.
The pair has become one of the UK’s most enduring “power couples” in the media industry, often supporting each other’s high-profile projects. In 2023, they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary, frequently sharing glimpses of their life together at their home in Buckinghamshire.
Motherhood and Family Life
Tess and Vernon have two daughters, Phoebe Elizabeth (born in 2004) and Amber Isabella (born in 2009). The couple has been notoriously protective of their children’s privacy, though they occasionally share family milestones on social media.
Motherhood inspired Tess to write her first non-fiction book, The Baby Diaries, which offered a candid look at the challenges and joys of raising young children. She has often spoken about the “balancing act” required to manage a primetime career while being present for her daughters’ school years.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Naia Beach
In 2021, Tess launched her own luxury swimwear brand, Naia Beach, in collaboration with her long-time friend Gayle Lawton. The brand focuses on creating high-quality, empowering beachwear designed for women of all ages and body types.
The business has since expanded into activewear and resort wear, reflecting Tess’s personal interest in fashion and functional design. Her role as co-founder involves everything from creative direction to modeling the collections, proving her business acumen outside of the studio.
Authorship and Literary Career
Beyond television, Tess is a published author with several successful titles under her belt. She made her fiction debut in 2011 with the novel The Camera Never Lies, a romance set in the fast-paced world of television.
She followed this with It’s Up to You, New York in 2013, drawing on her own experiences as a young model in the United States. In 2023, she pivoted to wellness with the release of 4 Steps: To a Happier, Healthier You, which focuses on holistic well-being.
Wellness and Skincare Secrets
Tess Daly is widely admired for her age-defying appearance and radiant skin, which she attributes to a disciplined approach to health. She advocates for a wholefood diet and has avoided red meat since she was 16 years old.
Her skincare routine involves a mix of high-end products and affordable pharmacy staples, such as La Roche-Posay SPF and Weleda Skin Food. She is also a proponent of “non-surgical” treatments like Ultherapy to maintain skin elasticity and collagen levels.
Fitness and Mental Health
Tess prioritizes low-impact exercise to stay fit, incorporating 15 minutes of yoga-based stretching every evening to decompress. She also engages in weight training every other day to maintain muscle tone and bone density.
Mental health is equally important to her routine; she practices a few minutes of “silent time” each morning before checking her phone. This mindful start to the day helps her manage the pressures of live television and her busy entrepreneurial schedule.
Charity Work and Philanthropy
Throughout her career, Tess has used her platform to support numerous charitable causes. She was a long-term host of the BBC’s Children in Need appeal, helping to raise hundreds of millions of pounds for disadvantaged children.
She is also an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust and a patron of Great Ormond Street Hospital. In recognition of her dedication to charity and her influential broadcasting career, she was awarded an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours list.
Practical Information and Planning
For those looking to engage with Tess Daly’s work or brands, here is the essential information:
- Naia Beach: Her swimwear collections are available online through the official Naia Beach website and at select luxury boutiques.
- Strictly Come Dancing: The show typically airs on BBC One on Saturday nights from mid-September through December. Tickets for the live studio audience are allocated via a free random draw on the BBC Shows and Tours website.
- Books: Her latest wellness guide, 4 Steps: To a Happier, Healthier You, is available at all major UK book retailers and online.
- Social Media: Tess is highly active on Instagram (@tessdaly), where she shares behind-the-scenes content and lifestyle tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Tess Daly? Tess Daly was born on March 29, 1969, making her 56 years old as of 2025. She continues to be a prominent figure in British media, often praised for her youthful energy and professional longevity.
Is Tess Daly still married to Vernon Kay? Yes, Tess Daly and Vernon Kay have been married since September 2003. They celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in 2023 and remain one of the most stable couples in the UK entertainment industry.
What is Tess Daly’s real name? Her birth name is Helen Elizabeth Daly. She adopted the name “Tess” when she began her modeling career, as there was already another model named Helen Daly registered with her agency.
Where does Tess Daly live? Tess lives in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, with her husband and two daughters. Their home is known for its spacious garden and a dedicated outbuilding where Vernon keeps his extensive record collection.
How many children does Tess Daly have? She has two daughters: Phoebe, born in October 2004, and Amber, born in May 2009. Both daughters have occasionally appeared in social media posts, though they generally stay out of the limelight.
What is Tess Daly’s net worth? While figures vary, industry experts estimate Tess Daly’s net worth to be approximately £4 million. This wealth has been accumulated through her long-running BBC salary, book deals, and her swimwear business.
Is Tess Daly leaving Strictly Come Dancing? As of early 2026, Tess remains a key part of the Strictly family. While there is often speculation about her future, she has expressed a deep love for the show and its role in British culture.
What are Tess Daly’s diet and fitness secrets? Tess follows a wholefood diet, avoids red meat, and focuses on gut health. Her fitness routine includes regular yoga, stretching, and light weight training rather than high-impact cardio.
Has Tess Daly won any awards? Yes, she has won several awards, including the Glamour Award for Presenter. Most notably, she was awarded an MBE in 2025 for her contributions to broadcasting and her charitable work.
What is Naia Beach? Naia Beach is a luxury swimwear and resort wear brand co-founded by Tess Daly. It is designed to provide glamorous and comfortable options for women of all sizes, with a focus on high-quality fabrics and flattering cuts.
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