Tess Daly has spoken of her emotional reaction upon learning she had been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s Birthday Honours – a moment she almost missed after the official letter was delivered to the wrong address. The 56-year-old presenter, who has fronted Strictly Come Dancing since 2004, said the honour came as “the greatest surprise of my life”, revealing that she only received the letter with days left to accept it thanks to a “very kind” person who ensured it reached her.
++ The weird world of vultures: habits, adaptations and little-known facts
Daly, who began her presenting career on The Big Breakfast and later became a household name through her work on Strictly, expressed that the first person she wished she could tell was her late father, who passed away in 2003. Reflecting on her time co-hosting with the late Sir Bruce Forsyth and her continued partnership with Claudia Winkleman, Daly posted a photo on Instagram in tribute, holding their signature “keep dancing” pose. She wrote, “If I could, I would dedicate it to all the wonderful people I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the past 26 years.”
The broadcasting duo led Strictly through its 20th anniversary last year, and Winkleman herself was also recognised with an MBE. Celebrating their dual success, Daly added: “Huge congrats to my brilliant girl @claudiawinkle on receiving her award too – who would’ve thought we’d be celebrating this together 20 years after we first met?” Messages of support poured in, with Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse and Love Island’s Tasha Ghouri among those congratulating Daly on her achievement.
++ Aid cuts risk damaging UK’s global standing, government admits
Other prominent figures recognised in this year’s honours include football icon David Beckham, who was awarded a knighthood, alongside actor Gary Oldman and The Who’s frontman Roger Daltrey. Actress and singer Elaine Paige, famed for her leading roles in Evita and Cats, was also honoured with a Damehood. Campaigner and Love Island alumna Georgia Harrison was acknowledged for her work advocating for online privacy.
...){kind=link}