
BBC Radio Two presenter Vernon Kay congratulates wife Tess Daly on MBE
The 56-year-old has been recognised alongside her Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman in the King's Birthday Honours for her services to broadcasting.
Kay, who has two children with Daly who he married in 2003, also praised Winkleman and the Strictly team for 'consistently producing the best show every year'.
A post shared by Vernon (@vernonkay)
'All the hard work and huge effort you put into everything you do has been recognised by the King.
'Being on Strictly from the start when our babies weren't even born just proves how well you've done. Now they're almost 21 and 16 and we've all enjoyed this journey together!!
'Also, bravo everyone at @bbcstrictly and @claudiawinkle for consistently producing the best show every year!! Time to pop a cork me thinks…'
Daly began working as a model and first appeared on screens in 1999 when she hosted The Big Breakfast's Find Me A Model competition on Channel 4.
She reached new levels of fame as co-host of the BBC One Saturday night dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing, which she presented alongside the late Sir Bruce Forsyth until 2014, three years before his death at the age of 89.
Traitors presenter Winkleman joined Daly as Strictly co-host, with the pair picking up the best entertainment award at the 2024 Bafta TV ceremony.
On being made MBE, Daly told the PA News Agency: 'I cried when I opened the letter, because I just I couldn't believe it.
'It feels like the most wonderful honour, because when you work as a broadcaster, you're part of people's viewing habits.
'Broadcasting is without a doubt a collective effort. I've been really fortunate to work with some of the very best production teams that there are in the business. And so my biggest thanks is to them, because you're only as good as your team.'
The broadcaster also presented the ITV makeover show, Home On Their Own in 2003, replacing Ulrika Jonsson, and in 2011 fronted the BBC Two documentary TV Greats: Our Favourites From The North where she took a look at Manchester's broadcasting past as BBC North bid farewell to its studios in the city to move to Salford.
Across her career she has interviewed stars including Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette, rock band No Doubt and US musician Lenny Kravitz.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scottish Sun
25 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick makes a last-gasp bid to clean up his act after disabled slur scandal and BBC suspension
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick is set to save his BBC career after 'sincerely apologising' for his behaviour and making a last-gasp bid to clean up his act. The star accepted the 'karma that has come my way' after his sickening disabled slur led to his suspension. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 5 EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick is set to save his BBC career after 'sincerely apologising' for his behaviour and making a last-gasp bid to clean up his act Credit: BBC 5 He is booked in for high-level talks with corporation bosses Credit: Getty 5 It comes after the 30-year-old was suspended following The Sun on Sunday's revelation Credit: PA He is booked in for high-level talks with corporation bosses and there is a growing belief he could eventually continue in his role as Jay Brown in Albert Square. It comes after the 30-year-old was suspended following The Sun on Sunday's revelation last weekend that he blurted out the hurtful term 'm********s' while on the Strictly Come Dancing set. Jamie used the offensive phrase to pour scorn on Blackpool, which is seen as the jewel in each series of the BBC's prime-time family show. As part of his bid to save his acting career, he this week sent a heartfelt message to a former partner, conceding it was 'not clear' if he'd be returning to EastEnders. But he told how the circumstances had given him time to reflect on 'decisions that have led me here'. Jamie said: 'I accept the karma that has come my way due to some bad choices.' He went on to say he is 'attempting to right the wrongs in my life', and 'want to sincerely apologise for the mistakes I made and for hurting you and how I handled the whole situation'. And he added: 'Had I the opportunity to turn the clock back I would do so and do everything differently.' The Sun told how Jamie issued the vile video while standing alongside GoCompare opera singer Wynne Evans. Moment Jamie Borthwick is seen waving up at Jordan in the audience The duo were in Blackpool for week nine of the Strictly TV series show in November last year when Jamie sent the obscene footage to a pal. The EastEnders star, who joined the soap in 2006, said in a public apology: 'I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. 'It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. "The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.' The BBC said his language was 'entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect'. Disability charity Scope said Borthwick should reflect on what he said and educate himself. "We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives,' said the organisation's media manager Warren Kirwan. In April, The Sun told how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a backstage joke over a sex toy video when the Strictly tour was in Birmingham. A source told us last night: "Jamie has been reaching out to people off his own back and trying to sort his life out once and for all. He is genuinely remorseful. He's a young man with his acting career stretching out ahead of him. "He will be forced to stay at home for a while and acknowledge his misdemeanours. A lesson is being learned. But it's good news for fans that there is a good chance that we haven't seen the last of Jamie in Albert Square." 5 Jamie said 'I accept the karma that has come my way due to some bad choices" Credit: Simon Jones


The Sun
40 minutes ago
- The Sun
EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick makes a last-gasp bid to clean up his act after disabled slur scandal and BBC suspension
EASTENDERS star Jamie Borthwick is set to save his BBC career after 'sincerely apologising' for his behaviour and making a last-gasp bid to clean up his act. The star accepted the 'karma that has come my way' after his sickening disabled slur led to his suspension. 5 5 5 He is booked in for high-level talks with corporation bosses and there is a growing belief he could eventually continue in his role as Jay Brown in Albert Square. It comes after the 30-year-old was suspended following The Sun on Sunday's revelation last weekend that he blurted out the hurtful term 'm********s' while on the Strictly Come Dancing set. Jamie used the offensive phrase to pour scorn on Blackpool, which is seen as the jewel in each series of the BBC 's prime-time family show. As part of his bid to save his acting career, he this week sent a heartfelt message to a former partner, conceding it was 'not clear' if he'd be returning to EastEnders. But he told how the circumstances had given him time to reflect on 'decisions that have led me here'. Jamie said: 'I accept the karma that has come my way due to some bad choices.' He went on to say he is 'attempting to right the wrongs in my life', and 'want to sincerely apologise for the mistakes I made and for hurting you and how I handled the whole situation'. And he added: 'Had I the opportunity to turn the clock back I would do so and do everything differently.' The Sun told how Jamie issued the vile video while standing alongside GoCompare opera singer Wynne Evans. Moment Jamie Borthwick is seen waving up at Jordan in the audience The duo were in Blackpool for week nine of the Strictly TV series show in November last year when Jamie sent the obscene footage to a pal. The EastEnders star, who joined the soap in 2006, said in a public apology: 'I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused. 'It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong. 'When I made the video, I was excited and caught up in the moment. Again, that is no excuse. But my regrettable actions are not a true reflection of my views, or who I am. 'I enjoyed every minute of my time in the Blackpool Tower Ballroom and the town itself. "The people of Blackpool have always been amazing with the Strictly crew, dancers and cast members. I know they will be again for this year's show and those in years to come. I am truly sorry.' The BBC said his language was 'entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect'. Disability charity Scope said Borthwick should reflect on what he said and educate himself. "We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people's lives,' said the organisation's media manager Warren Kirwan. In April, The Sun told how Jamie and Wynne were rapped by BBC bosses for sharing a backstage joke over a sex toy video when the Strictly tour was in Birmingham. A source told us last night: "Jamie has been reaching out to people off his own back and trying to sort his life out once and for all. He is genuinely remorseful. He's a young man with his acting career stretching out ahead of him. "He will be forced to stay at home for a while and acknowledge his misdemeanours. A lesson is being learned. But it's good news for fans that there is a good chance that we haven't seen the last of Jamie in Albert Square." 5 5


Wales Online
an hour ago
- Wales Online
Blankety Blank viewers stunned at 'very sad' message about contestant as credits roll
Blankety Blank viewers stunned at 'very sad' message about contestant as credits roll Nathanael Hill was seen winning the star prize at the end of Saturday night's BBC One show before Nathanael Hill, left, alongside host Bradley Walsh(Image: BBC) Blankety Blank fans were left stunned after the latest episode revealed that the triumphant contestant had tragically passed away since the recording. Nathanael Hill graced the BBC One show, hosted by Bradley Walsh, and viewers saw him clinch the star prize by the programme's conclusion. But, as the credits rolled, a poignant in memoriam tribute appeared stating 'Nathanael Hill 1985 - 2025. '. Audiences took to social media to share their grief upon discovering Nathanael's untimely death. On X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, @Johnboy_Cook posted: "Wow. That's so sad. RIP Nathanael.", reports the Manchester Evening News. Meanwhile, @Di2409 commented: "RIP Nathanael fly high." Article continues below Others joined in the condolences, with @lovelybones2013 sharing: "Oh that's sad... RIP Nathaniel" and @dazfromsomerset expressing: "Oh sad he passed away young." Hailing from Kirby in Merseyside, Nathanael's obituary in the Liverpool Echo confirmed his passing in April, 2025. His career was marked by distinguished service as an armour officer in the Royal Air Force, where he completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and participated in Operation Red Flag. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter At 39, Nathanael sustained injuries from shrapnel caused by a roadside bomb during his deployment in south-central Asia, leading to his medical discharge. Post-military life brought further challenges; he was diagnosed with late-onset type 1 diabetes four years after leaving the forces. A blood clot discovered in his leg during the Covid-19 pandemic compounded his health issues, preventing full recovery of his leg. Following three battles with sepsis, Nathanael opted for an above-the-knee amputation on his leg. Hearts were heavy as tributes poured in for Nathanael after his passing in April. Liverpool Tritons RUFC honoured their beloved member with heartfelt words: "It is with deep sadness that Liverpool Tritons RUFC announces the passing of our dear friend, former player, and coach, Nathanael Hill – known to many simply as Nate." Nate's contribution to Liverpool Tritons RUFC was said to be immense, earning him great respect: "Nate was a cherished member of the Tritons for several years. As both a formidable player on the pitch and a passionate, dedicated coach off it, Nate brought skill, heart, and a contagious enthusiasm to everything he did. His commitment to inclusive rugby and to our community helped shape the club into what it is today." The tribute continued to honour Nate's legacy: "More than his achievements in the game, Nate will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humour, and the unwavering support he showed to teammates, new players, and friends alike. His loss will be felt deeply across the club and far beyond." Article continues below Simon Bartley shared his fond memories of Nathanael's generosity and uplifting spirit: "His friends will remember him as someone with a big heart, always willing to offer support to anyone. A shining light has dimmed with the loss of Nate, we have lost a champion for inclusion and a great friend to so many." Prior to his untimely death, Nathanael had embarked on fundraising efforts to fulfil his Paralympic aspirations with Team GB at the 2028 LA Paralympics.