Tess Daly Pays Heartfelt Tribute Following MBE Honour, Credits Showbiz Stars for Success

Tess Daly Celebrates MBE Honor, Thanks Showbiz Icons and Strictly Fans

Tess Daly, 56, has expressed her gratitude after receiving an MBE for Services to Broadcasting in King Charles’ birthday honours list. The Strictly Come Dancing host shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo album featuring colleagues like Claudia Winkleman and the late Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Tess (right) with co-host Claudia Winkleman, who also received an MBE.

Daly and Winkleman, both integral to Strictly since 2004, were recognized for their contributions to the beloved BBC show. Tess began hosting the main program with Sir Bruce Forsyth, while Claudia initially led the spin-off It Takes Two before becoming Daly’s co-presenter in 2014. Reflecting on her career, Tess wrote:

“Genuinely still pinching myself… Feeling humbled and honoured to receive this MBE. I’d dedicate it to everyone I’ve worked with over 26 years—legends like Sir Trevor McDonald and Sir Terry Wogan. And to Strictly viewers—thank you for joining this incredible ride.”

She also praised Winkleman, calling her “my brilliant girl,” and reminisced about their two-decade partnership.

Tess with Sir Bruce Forsyth, her original Strictly co-host.

The royal family’s love for Strictly added a personal touch to the honor. Queen Camilla, a self-proclaimed superfan, once told dancer Johannes Radebe, “We all watch it.” Tess’s husband, Vernon Kay, revealed the Queen often asks for “backstage gossip” and shares a “real friendship” with Daly.

“It’s surreal knowing the King and Queen watch Tess on their sofa with a brew,” Kay joked.

Queen Camilla, a devoted Strictly fan, hosted dancers and judges in 2017.

Beyond television, both Daly and Winkleman are active philanthropists. Tess supports the King’s Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital, while Claudia champions child bereavement and Roald Dahl’s charities.

In her emotional post, Tess concluded:

“From starting with Sir Bruce in 2004 to today—what a journey. Thank you for all the love. I’ll never forget this.”

The award celebrates not just Daly’s broadcasting excellence but also the joy Strictly has brought millions—a legacy shared with colleagues and fans alike.

Pictures:

1. Tess and Claudia’s iconic partnership.
2. Memories with Sir Bruce Forsyth.
3. Queen Camilla’s Strictly reception.

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Words: ~600 | Images: 3