Tess Daly

Tess Daly is one of the most successful representatives of the fashion industry in Great Britain. She has achieved a lot, winning over the public with her elegant style and impeccable manners. She has managed to become successful not only on the catwalk, but also on British television. Tess Daly's long career confirms her talent.

Biography

Tess Daly was born in Stockport, Cheshire, United Kingdom on 29 March 1969. The model and presenter's real name is Helen Elizabeth Daly.

Her mother and father worked in a textile factory. The future celebrity grew up in Birch Vale, near New Mills, Derbyshire, where she also received her education. Tess Daly has a younger sister, Karen Daly.

Tess Daly's youth

Tess Daly's modelling career began when she was 18 years old. She worked in Tokyo, Paris, and New York. In 1990, Tess appeared in two Duran Duran music videos for the songs ‘Serious’ and ‘Violence of Summer (Love's Taking Over)’, as well as in a video for the song ‘The Beloved’.

A turning point in her life came when she met a modelling agent. She was offered the chance to change her name. At the start of her modelling career, there was already a model named Helen Daly. The agent recommended Tess in honour of the character from the film Tess.

Parents

Tess Daly's parents are Vivian Daly (1932–2003) and Sylvia Daly. They were ordinary working people and not a wealthy family.

Tess Daly's career

Let's take a look at the main stages of Tess Daly's career and her path to fame.

Modelling

Tess Daly was 17 when she was spotted by a modelling agency scout. She was waiting for her sister outside a McDonald's restaurant in Manchester when she was noticed.

Tess Daly's first professional modelling job was in Tokyo, Japan. She also shone on the catwalks of Asia and Europe, living in London, five years in Paris and the same amount of time in New York.

Appearances in music videos for famous bands. For example, in 1990, Tess Daly appeared in two Duran Duran music videos for the songs ‘Serious’ and ‘Violence of Summer (Love's Taking Over)’.

Tess Daly was the face of Danone Shape yoghurt and participated in the La Senza lingerie manufacturing and sales company in Great Britain. She appeared in the brand's 2009 Christmas campaign.

In 2013, Daly was chosen as the new face of L'Oréal, and in 2017, she became the face of Vitabiotics Wellwoman.

Television

In 2000, Tess Daly sent a video interview to the producers of Channel 4's The Big Breakfast. They signed her to host the Find Me a Model competition.

After that, Tess Daly's television career took off, and she appeared as a presenter on such programmes as:

• Get Your Kit Off.
• Singled Out.
• Smash Hits TV.
• SMTV Live.
• Back To Reality.

Since 2004, Tess Daly has been the co-host of the BBC One programme Strictly Come Dancing. She initially hosted the project with Bruce Forsyth until he left the show in 2013, and since 2014, she has been hosting it with Claudia Winkleman. The TV personalities often impress viewers with their elegant outfits, chosen in a consistent style.

In 2003, Daly replaced Ulrika Jonsson as host of the ITV show Home on Our Own.

From 2008 to 2019, Daly co-hosted the BBC's Children in Need telethon with Terry Vaughan and Firn Cotton.

In 2015, Tess Daly co-hosted the charity spin-off of Strictly Come Dancing — The People's Strictly for Comic Relief for BBC One.

In 2019, the model and presenter played an unnamed character who hosted the fictional television show ‘In the Spotlight’ in the CBBC drama ‘Almost Never’.

Other work

Tess Daly is not only known as a model and television presenter, she is also a successful writer. She has several published works to her credit:

• 4 Steps: To a Happier, Healthier You. A book about well-being, divided into four parts: Eat, Breathe, Move, Sleep.
• The Baby Diaries: Memories, Milestones and Misadventures.
• The Camera Never Lies (2011) — a romance novel.
• It's Up to You, New York (2013) — a novel.

Tess Daly is now a member of the Order of the British Empire, having been awarded the title on 13 June 2025.

Tess Daly combines her participation in television projects with writing books and active charity work, helping to raise funds for children in need.

Tess Daly's personal life

Tess Daly's personal life is of interest to the model and TV presenter's numerous fans.

Husband

The celebrity married British TV presenter and former model Vernon Kay in 2003. Their wedding was a real event, with news reports appearing in all British media outlets.

Children

The couple have two daughters, Phoebe Elizabeth Kay (born 17 October 2004) and Amber Isabella Kay (born 30 May 2009).

Net worth

The British TV presenter's net worth is estimated at £3.8 million. Tess Daly owns several expensive cars: a Mercedes Benz, Range Rover, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford. She has always liked luxury cars.

In addition, the model owns a number of properties, one of which is located in Bakersfield, Buckinghamshire.

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