The Strictly Exit In late 2025, Tess officially stepped down from hosting *Strictly Come Dancing* after an incredible 21-year run as the show's leading lady.

MBE Honor 2025 Tess was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2025 Birthday Honours for her legendary services to broadcasting.

The McDonald’s Discovery Her modeling career began when she was scouted by an agent while waiting outside a McDonald’s in Manchester for her sister.

Real Name Identity While known globally as Tess, her legal name is actually Helen Elizabeth Daly. Her agent suggested "Tess" early in her career.

Duran Duran Muse Before finding TV fame, Tess starred as a lead in two iconic Duran Duran music videos: "Serious" and "Violence of Summer."

Business Empire Expansion In 2026, Tess successfully expanded her brand, NAIA, by launching "NAIA Active," a high-performance fitness-wear line for women.

Militant Morning Routine Tess is "militant" about her gut health, starting every day with a specific fiber-heavy breakfast of berries and seeds to fuel her mind.

The New York Interviews Her transition to TV happened in NYC when she bought a video camera and interviewed author Quentin Crisp as a personal passion project.

No Red Meat A lifelong health advocate, Tess has strictly avoided eating red meat since she was 16 years old, opting for a wholefood-based diet.

2026 Life Change In a significant personal update trending in May 2026, Tess and her husband Vernon Kay announced their separation after 23 years of marriage.