Earlier this week, Tess Daly, the host of the popular TV show Strictly Come Dancing, shared that she will be stepping down from the role after 21 years. Tess, who has been presenting the show since it began in 2004, first alongside Bruce Forsyth and later with Claudia Winkleman, expressed her decision in a video alongside Claudia.
Amid speculations about her £150,000 salary for the role, fans have been curious about the reasons behind Tess’ departure. Unbeknownst to many, Tess is deeply involved in a swimwear business venture called Naia Beach, which she co-owns with her friend Gayle Lawton.
Talking about her entrepreneurial endeavor, Tess highlighted the time and dedication required by the business, emphasizing the joy of building a successful venture with her close friend. She revealed the demanding nature of the business in a podcast conversation with Giovanna Fletcher.
Aside from her TV career and business commitments, Tess is also a devoted mother to her two daughters, Phoebe and Amber, whom she shares with her husband Vernon Kay, a radio presenter on BBC Radio 2.
Her family life has played a significant role throughout her time on Strictly Come Dancing, including her swift return to work just six weeks after giving birth to her first child. Tess recounted the challenges of balancing new motherhood with her TV duties, highlighting the demanding nature of the role.
Following her announcement, there have been talks of Tess potentially joining the reality show Celebrity Traitors. Despite previous rumors linking both Tess and Vernon to Claudia’s show, Tess clarified that these speculations were unfounded.
In a recent interview with The Metro newspaper, Tess jokingly mentioned her inability to hide her thoughts, suggesting she would not excel at being deceitful on a show like The Traitors.
Don’t miss Strictly Come Dancing: The Results tonight at 7.15pm on BBC One.
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