Strictly Come Dancing's Tess Daly says 'I'll be a wreck' in honest family update

Edinburgh Live

10-07-2025

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Strictly Come Dancing's co-presenter Tess Daly shared an emotional family revelation, confessing she'll be a "wreck" when facing a certain milestone.
While many will know her for starring in Strictly, it was thanks to one of her first TV roles that she and Vernon crossed paths nearly 25 years ago.
Early in their presenting careers, the couple first met at a BBC Christmas party, where they were tasked with creating their own music video to Britney Spears' iconic "…Baby One More Time".
Just a couple of years after meeting, Tess and Vernon tied the knot and soon welcomed their first child, Phoebe, with Amber born a few years later in 2008.
(Image: Lia Toby, Getty Images for the NTA's)
With both Tess and Vernon's careers continuing to thrive, the Strictly presenter confided to Fearne Cotton on the Happy Place podcast that their family getaways are often booked only weeks in advance due to her demanding Strictly schedule.
As the pair discussed the importance of switching off and taking time away from their busy lives, Tess said she couldn't "even imagine" a break where she only had herself to think about.
Yet amidst talk of changing family dynamics, Tess humorously acknowledged she'd be a "wreck" when her kids no longer wanted to come on holidays, quipping, "I'll be crying into my Pina Colada."
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Keeping this in perspective, the Strictly co-host also highlighted the importance of holidays for quality time with loved ones, remarking: "For me, it's just about stepping back, really, and just enjoying myself and being in the moment and enjoying that meal."
She added: "Sitting down to enjoy that with my family, reconnecting with them and sitting around a table three times a day, for me, is a treat. It's lovely."
Starting her career as a model, she took her first steps into presenting on Channel 4 back in 2000. Though other hosting gigs soon came her way, it was her breakthrough as a co-host on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004 that truly elevated her career.
(Image: Karwai Tang, WireImagevia Getty Images)
Having appeared on the show from the very first episode alongside Bruce Forsyth, the two co-presented together for nearly a decade until Bruce left in 2013.
Since his departure, she has formed an iconic pairing with Claudia Winkleman, continuing to co-host the much-loved dance competition.