Tess Daly’s Early Life and Background
Tess Daly, born Helen Elizabeth Daly, grew up in the village of Birch Vale, near New Mills in Derbyshire. She was raised in a hardworking household where her father, Vivian, worked in a wallpaper factory and her mother, Sylvia, worked in a paper mill.
Her northern roots and family values have remained a cornerstone of her public persona throughout her career. Despite her later glamour, her upbringing was grounded and focused on “grit” and humility, traits she frequently credits for her longevity in the competitive entertainment industry.
The Journey from Modeling to Television
Daly was scouted for a modeling career at the age of 18 while waiting outside a McDonald’s in Manchester. This serendipitous moment led her to Tokyo, Paris, and New York, where she worked for five years before shifting her focus to broadcasting.
It was during her early modeling days that she adopted the name “Tess,” as her agency already represented a model named Helen Daly. Influenced by the film Tess starring Nastassja Kinski, the name stuck and eventually became one of the most recognizable brands in UK media.
Strictly Come Dancing: A Two-Decade Legacy
Tess Daly is most famously known as the co-presenter of Strictly Come Dancing, a role she held from the show’s inception in 2004 until her emotional departure following the 2025 series. For over 500 episodes, she was the steady hand guiding celebrities through the glitz and pressure of the ballroom.
Initially hosting alongside the legendary Sir Bruce Forsyth, she later formed a historic all-female partnership with Claudia Winkleman in 2014. Her departure in late 2025 marked the end of an era for the BBC, earning her an MBE in the 2025 Birthday Honours for her services to broadcasting.
Personal Life, Marriage, and Family
Tess married fellow television presenter Vernon Kay on September 12, 2003, in a ceremony in Horwich, Bolton. The couple, often referred to as a “TV power couple,” has remained one of the most enduring partnerships in the British media landscape.
They have two daughters, Phoebe Elizabeth (born 2004) and Amber Isabella (born 2009). The family resides in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, where they maintain a relatively private life away from the London-centric celebrity circuit.
Health, Wellness, and Anti-Aging Secrets
At 56, Tess Daly is frequently praised for her radiant appearance and high energy levels. Her approach to wellness is holistic, focusing on a balance of nutrition, consistent movement, and mental health.
Fitness and Movement
Daly avoids high-impact exercises like running, preferring yoga and light resistance training. She follows a “functional training” routine designed by her personal trainer, which includes mobility drills and weight training every other day to maintain muscle tone and bone health.
Nutrition and Diet
A vegetarian since the age of 16, Tess avoids red meat and focuses on a high-protein, wholefood diet. She is a strong advocate for gut health, often incorporating seeds, nuts, and fiber into her meals, and maintains a partnership with Vitabiotics as an ambassador for their Wellwoman range.
Business Ventures Beyond the Screen
Tess has successfully diversified her career into the worlds of fashion and literature. In 2021, she co-founded the luxury swimwear brand Naia Beach, which has since expanded into resort and activewear.
Additionally, she is an accomplished author, having published two novels—The Camera Never Lies (2011) and It’s Up to You, New York (2013)—as well as a wellness book titled 4 Steps to a Happier, Healthier You in 2023. These ventures have ensured her influence extends far beyond the Strictly ballroom.
The Fashion Years: 1987–1999
Before becoming a fixture of British television, Tess Daly established a high-profile modeling career that spanned over a decade. Scouting at age 18 led to immediate contracts in Tokyo and Paris, where she worked for some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses. This period was instrumental in building the poise and camera-confidence that would later define her broadcasting style.
During her time in New York, Daly began making the transition toward media by appearing in music videos, most notably for Duran Duran. Her exposure to international production environments gave her a unique perspective on the entertainment industry, eventually leading to her return to the UK to pursue a permanent career in television hosting.
The BBC Era and Broadcasting Versatility
While Strictly Come Dancing is her most famous credit, Daly’s versatility at the BBC allowed her to host a wide range of programs. She has been a lead presenter for Children in Need for nearly two decades, helping to raise hundreds of millions of pounds for charity. Her ability to handle live, high-pressure telethons cemented her status as one of the most reliable live-broadcast professionals in the country.
She also hosted The Royal Variety Performance and the BBC’s coverage of various national events. Her broadcasting style is characterized by a “warm professionalism”—an ability to make guests feel at ease while maintaining the strict timing and cues required for prime-time Saturday night television.
Naia Beach and the Entrepreneurial Pivot
In 2021, Daly transitioned from being a brand ambassador to a business owner by co-founding Naia Beach. The brand was born out of her desire to create swimwear that offered both style and “real-world” comfort for women of all ages. The brand’s philosophy centers on empowerment, with designs that incorporate supportive structures and high-quality fabrics.
The success of Naia Beach has seen the brand move into major retailers and luxury boutiques. Daly is actively involved in the design process, often drawing on her twelve years of modeling experience to understand how garments move and photograph. This venture has established her as a significant figure in the UK’s sustainable luxury market.
Wellness: A Daily Routine at 56
Tess Daly’s approach to aging is defined by “intentional wellness.” Rather than following fad diets or extreme fitness trends, she focuses on sustainable habits that support long-term vitality. In 2026, her routine is widely cited by health and beauty experts as a gold standard for aging gracefully.
The Morning Ritual
Daly typically begins her day with a glass of warm water and lemon, followed by a 15-minute meditation or breathing exercise. She advocates for “digital silence” during the first hour of the day to reduce stress levels and improve mental clarity.
Functional Fitness
Her exercise regime is built around longevity. She incorporates:
- Yoga and Pilates: For core strength and flexibility.
- Resistance Bands: To maintain bone density and muscle tone without the joint stress of heavy weights.
- Walking: Daily outdoor activity to support cardiovascular health and mental well-being.
Sleep and Recovery
Daly is a vocal supporter of the “sleep hygiene” movement. She maintains a strict schedule, aiming for 8 hours of sleep per night, and avoids blue-light exposure at least an hour before bed. She credits consistent sleep as the primary factor in skin health and energy maintenance.
Practical Information: The Tess Daly Method
For those interested in the lifestyle and career principles shared by Tess Daly, the following practical steps summarize her approach:
- Career Longevity: Prioritize reliability and professionalism. Daly is known for never missing a rehearsal or a live show in over 20 years.
- Holistic Health: Focus on gut health and anti-inflammatory foods. Her vegetarian lifestyle is a key component of her nutritional philosophy.
- Personal Branding: Maintain a consistent public image that is both aspirational and accessible.
- Adaptability: Embrace new technologies and platforms. Daly’s move into social media and e-commerce shows an ability to evolve with the times.
FAQs
What was Tess Daly’s first major TV job?
Her first significant television role was hosting Find Me a Model on Channel 4 in 2000, which capitalized on her previous experience in the fashion industry.
How many seasons of Strictly Come Dancing did she host?
She hosted a total of 21 series of the main show, plus numerous Christmas specials and charity spin-offs.
What awards has Tess Daly won?
In addition to her MBE in 2025, she has shared in several BAFTA and National Television Awards won by Strictly Come Dancing during her tenure.
Did Tess Daly write a wellness book?
Yes, she published 4 Steps to a Happier, Healthier You in 2023, which outlines her philosophy on health, nutrition, and mindset.
What is the meaning of the brand name ‘Naia’?
Naia is often associated with water nymphs in Greek mythology, reflecting the brand’s focus on swimwear and the ocean.
How does Tess Daly maintain her skin?
She focuses on deep hydration, high-quality serums, and consistent SPF protection, avoiding harsh chemical peels in favor of nourishing treatments.
Has Tess Daly ever been a contestant on a show?
No, Daly has almost exclusively worked as a presenter throughout her career, rarely appearing as a participant in reality or competition formats.
What is Vernon Kay’s age compared to Tess?
Vernon Kay was born in 1974, making him approximately five years younger than Tess Daly.
Does Tess Daly have a podcast?
While she frequently appears as a guest on wellness and business podcasts, she does not currently host her own series, focusing instead on her book and brand.
Is Tess Daly still modeling?
She occasionally models for her own brand, Naia Beach, but she retired from professional fashion modeling for other agencies in the late 1990s.
How old is Tess Daly today?
As of early 2026, Tess Daly is 56 years old. She will celebrate her 57th birthday on March 29, 2026.
What is Tess Daly’s real name?
Her birth name is Helen Elizabeth Daly. She adopted “Tess” as a professional name when she began her modeling career.
Is Tess Daly still on Strictly Come Dancing?
No, Tess Daly officially left Strictly Come Dancing at the end of the 2023 series. She hosted the show for 21 years.
Who is Tess Daly married to?
She has been married to TV presenter and Radio 2 DJ Vernon Kay since 2003.
How many children does Tess Daly have?
She has two daughters, Phoebe Elizabeth and Amber Isabella.
Where does Tess Daly live?
She lives in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, with her husband and children.
What is Tess Daly’s height?
Tess Daly is 1.75 meters tall (approximately 5 feet 9 inches).
Does Tess Daly eat meat?
No, Tess has avoided red meat since she was 16 years old and follows a largely plant-based and pescatarian diet.
Why did Tess Daly get an MBE?
She was awarded an MBE in 2025 for her significant contributions to British broadcasting over more than 20 years.
What is Tess Daly’s skincare routine?
She focuses on hydration and SPF, often using Sisley hydrating masks and keeping her daily makeup look light and luminous.
What is Tess Daly’s swimwear brand called?
Her luxury swimwear and resort wear brand is called Naia Beach.
Was Tess Daly a model?
Yes, she had a successful international modeling career for 12 years before transitioning to television in the late 1990s.
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